Unakite Beads

Unakite beads are a relative newcomer in the jewelry making world, the mineral having only been discovered in 1966. Often called epidotized granite, unakite (also spelled unikite) is a mix of various greens (epidot) and salmon-pink (feldspar) but may also have some gray or white (quartz) coloration. Among jewelry supplies, there are few minerals with such an interesting color pattern as unakite. Unakite makes an excellent bead or cabochon for use in jewelry making or carving, as it is relatively hard, economically priced, polishes to a fine shine, and offers an interesting color pattern. It is often carved into donuts or gemstone beads with a large surface to best expose the beautiful color variations in the stone. Epidote gemstone beads blend beautifully with unakite, as do beads of rhodochrosite, poppy jasper, or green nephrite jade. Jewelry supplies of either gold or silver go well with unakite.

Unakite was named for its occurrences in the Unaka range of the Great Smoky region of Tennessee and North Carolina where it was discovered. Significant sources are the United States and Africa.

The corresponding astrological sign for unakite is Scorpio.

common treatments: none

special care: avoid impact, abrasion

hardness: 6-7