Where is Unakite found?
Unakite (Epidote-Feldspar rock)
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Open the appUnakite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Unakite
Unaka Mountains, North Carolina, USA
The type locality, where it was first discovered and named. Found in the Appalachian Mountains.
Virginia, USA
Significant deposits are found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
South Africa
Occurrences reported in various regions.
Sierra Leone
Known source for unakite.
Brazil
Deposits found in several states.
China
Various localities produce unakite.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Look for areas with exposed granitic intrusions that show signs of hydrothermal alteration. Riverbeds and glacial tills can also contain weathered unakite boulders.
- Color Recognition. The distinctive combination of green and pink is the primary visual identifier. Look for rocks with these two dominant colors, often with some grey or colorless areas.
- Hardness Test. While not a single mineral, the overall hardness is around 6-7 on the Mohs scale due to its constituent minerals. This can help differentiate it from softer altered rocks.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Mottled green and pink, with minor grey/colorless
- Luster:
- Vitreous to sub-vitreous
- Streak:
- White
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