Jul 31, 2014

A to Z of Gemstones - U is for Unakite

Unakite is altered granite that is composed of green epidote, pink orthoclase feldspar and colorless quartz. It is named after the Unakas Mountains of North Carolina in the United States, where it was first discovered. 

Unakite exists in various shades of green and pink and is usually mottled in appearance. A good quality unakite is considered a semiprecious stone; it will take a good polish and is often used in jewellery as beads or cabochons and other lapidary work such as eggs, spheres and animal carvings.

Unakite can be found as pebbles and cobbles from glacial drift in the beach rock on the shores of Lake Superior. It also occurs in Virginia where it is found in the river valleys after having been washed down from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unakite is not limited to the United States, but has also been reported from South Africa, Sierra Leone, Brazil, and China.

As  with  all  gems  and  minerals,  there  are  numerous  beliefs  regarding  the  spiritual  and  healing  qualities  of  Unakite.  Most  of  all  it  is believed to bring unity and balance to all areas of  the  owner’s  life.

http://www.shazzabethcreations.co.nz/#!product/prd1/2485497961/unakite-v-style-earrings
Pictured above are my Unakite V Style Earrings. Below are some more examples of Unakite jewellery from some members of the Jewelry on Etsy team.

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/106261744/wire-wrapped-hoop-earrings-handmade

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/85065008/enchanted-forest-unakite-and-wood-beaded

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/176414079/heart-stud-earrings-olive-green-unakite

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