Unakite: Origins, properties and benefits

Unakite has a pretty color composed of pink and green, usually blending into speckled or marbled patterns. A stone of protection and comfort in lithotherapy, it has also seduced jewelers and jewelry designers, who create elegant, timeless necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Why not get creative? Perhaps you'll find the ideal jewelry design among our many free DIY natural stone jewelry tutorials. On the Perles & co website, you'll find unakite beads and cabochons to create the jewel of your dreams!

What is unakite stone?

This natural stone is considered by gemologists to be of recent origin. Indeed, no ancient texts, myths or legends mention this green and pink stone. It was first discovered by French mineralogist René Just Haüy in the early 19th century. He gave it the name"pierre épidote", from the Greek "epidosis" meaning "complement".
It was discovered a second time, several decades later, by American geologist Frank Howe Bradley in the southern USA, in the heart of the Unaka Mountains, which gave it its definitive name.

It is sometimes called"Unakite Jasper", although it is not a jasper.

What are the properties of Unakite?

Unakite is a gemstone (formerly known as"semi-precious stones") from the altered granite family. It has a hardness of between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale and a density of between 3.2 and 3.55 g/cm³.

What color is Unakite?

Its opaque color ranges from yellow-green through khaki green to dark green, with hints of red, reddish pink or pink. Pink and green are usually mixed in speckled or marbled patterns.
It is sometimes confused with Zoïsite Ruby, another natural stone with green and pink colors.

Where is Unakite found?

The main unakite deposits are found in Austria, the United States, Mexico, China, Russia, South Africa, Mozambique and Norway.

What are the benefits of Unakite stone?

In lithotherapy, this natural stone is considered a stone of protection and comfort. It is said to have the power to help us put situations into perspective and gain perspective. It is reputed to bring emotional balance, reduce stress and boost self-confidence and self-esteem,

This stone is linked to the heart chakra and the third chakra, called the solar plexus. Associated with the solar plexus chakra, unakite is said to help make peace with oneself and improve one's self-image.
Lithotherapists believe that this stone can help release emotional blockages, encourage the expression of self-love and compassion towards others, and strengthen positive relationships.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I clean Unakite stones?

Like all stones, unakite accumulates negative energies over time. That's why it's best to clean and purify it regularly, so that it regains all its benefits.
To clean and purify it, rinse it for a long time inclear water or use sage fumigations.
Then, to recharge it, expose your gemstone to sunlight for a few hours. To amplify this process, you can place it on a quartz cluster or amethyst geode.

How to wear Unakite

Both silver and gold metals are ideal for this natural stone. Silver will give an elegant, timeless look to DIY jewelry made with unakite. Stainless steel adds a modern touch. Finally, primers or jewelry components in Gold, Filled (laminated gold), Gold Plated or Gold Stainless Steel will add a luxurious spirit.

Which stones to match with unakite?

• According to lithotherapists, to act on the heart chakra, unakite can be combined with amazonite, ruby zoïsite or malachite. These associations are said to encourage the expression of positive feelings and find happiness in the simple things in life.
• To act on the solar plexus chakra, this fine stone should be linked with a tiger's eye or citrine. These combinations promote the confidence needed to overcome difficulties.