If you are a collector of precious and semi-precious stones, the Unakite gem cannot be overlooked. It is one of the most beautiful specimens in nature, and also one of the most valued on the market. Therefore, pay attention to all the features and properties of this stone.
What is the Unakite stone
Unakite is a rock consisting of green epidote, quartz, and pink orthoclase. As a consequence, their hues vary between pink and green, with a mottled appearance. Also, if the stone is of good quality, it is considered semi-precious.
It is basically a metamorphic rock that comes from regional metamorphism that affects granite and that has crystallized orthoclase, green epidote and quartz. The epidote comes from plagioclase and quartz can be bluish in color. It may also contain amounts of chromite, apatite and zircon.
It is a specimen that is easily polished and is used in different pieces of jewelry.
Mineralogical characteristics
The most outstanding quality of this stone is its color, presenting a combination of salmon and green. It belongs to the group of silicates, as well as to the monoclinic crystalline system, with a prismatic crystalline habit. Likewise, the hardness level on the Mohs scale of this gem is 6th 7.
It has an unequal fracture, a good exfoliation and a vitreous shine, without forgetting its colorless stripe, although sometimes with slight gray nuances. The appearance is translucent and has a refractive index between 1.74 and 1.78.
Important deposits
The main producer of gem It is the United States, although it is also common in other countries. For example, it can be found in Brazil, China, saw Lioness Y South Africa.
Unakite Gem Properties
It is considered a metamorphic rock, although it is difficult to establish the specific properties of the gem. This is due to the different associations of minerals, which is why it does not belong to a particular crystallographic system. On the other hand, it can be said that the stone is a jasper type, so it is found in natural finishes.
It is common to see rough and robust stones, but the polished and treated specimens in jewelry stores are not exempt.
Uses of Unakite
Being a semiprecious gem It is used in jewelry. It is normally common in baroque costume jewelery, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, etc. In the same way, it is used in the art industry to make objects for collectors.
Therapeutic properties are also attributed to it, although the truth is that they are not scientifically certified. For example, it is said that awakens spiritual vision and reduces electronic pollution. There are even people who use it to boost the reproductive system and promote meditation.