FreeShip- Unakite, Larger Pieces, ~1" to 1 1/2", Unpolished- (Prompt rebate on orders with 3 or more FreeShip items!)

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Just a quick note about sizes: We've left out sizing dimensions in some of the various rock and mineral specimens we have. Some vary greatly in size when non-screened. Some sizes have labels on the bag pictures that give a range of sizes that are a rough approximation. Comparing pieces in the pictured bag with the inch ruler at the bottom of the picture can also help. Look at the picture enlargement for the best view. These pieces are about 1" to 2", and fall into the "large" category of our minerals.

Unakite is a rock, not a mineral. Rocks are composed of minerals. Unakite has 3 main minerals. Another name for it is epidotized granite because its main mineral is epidote. It has the minerals green epidote, pink/orange orthoclase feldspar, and clear or bluish, translucent quartz. Usually the green epidote is the primary color and pink/orange orthoclase feldspar the secondary color which occurs in lesser spots or splotches. The overall effect makes it appear to have pink shaped spots on a green background. Since it is essentially a granitic rock it is hard enough to retain cutting or carving (using diamond tooling). It takes a high polish because of it's hardness, although it is not hard enough to withstand the punishment taken by certain types of jewelry like bracelets.
It is a metamorphic rock, having undergone high heat and pressure which is what alters it. It is usually coarse grained.
Deeply formed granites are metamorphosed where continental plates meet and produce great pressure and heat. Often, fractures near the boundaries of plates push such altered rock as unakite upward by the same pressure and heat that formed it, and it is then exposed near or on the surface.

It's interesting that this is a rock that was discovered in the US first. The Unaka mountains in eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina is where it was first found. It was discovered later at other sites in the US and in other countries such as China, Brazil, and South Africa. In New Jersey a large 1/2 mile outcrop was found in the Piedmont area. Unakite is found in large enough outcroppings to make it a good decorative building stone for public buildings as facing and flooring slabs.
The hardness of the constituent primary minerals is close enough to make a uniform mass that cuts and polishes well. Epidote has a 6 to 7 moh's hardness, orthoclase a 6 mohs hardness and quartz a 7 moh's hardness. It makes a great material for beginning lapidarists to practice and learn the lapidary arts because it is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Usually cabochons are cut from it. It needs to be cut in relatively large pieces because of it's coarse grain and the fact that all of the minerals composing it will fracture along natural cleavage planes if struck. If a piece is especially large grained (and small in size) it's more prone to fracture. It is never used in fine jewelry and on seldom in commercial jewelry, but is found in "craft jewelry". The fact that epidote can have a hardness of mohs 6 means it can be scratched if used in a bracelet or ring, pieces which are subject to rubbing. Pendants are a perfect application.

For those interested in Orgone, Unakite is also valued as an orgonite and orgone energy stone. It is important among certain rocks, minerals, and metals for its metaphysical aspects, and is said to have powerful properties. Here are a sampling of links to the many references on the internet related to unakite:
{ https://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/unakite/ }
{ https://www.charmsoflight.com/unakite-healing-properties }
{ https://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/gem-notes/h817 }
Here is an excerpt from the 3rd link above:
"Unakite Metaphysical Properties
Unakite is said to be a stone of vision, opening the third eye and useful for scrying. It is also believed to be a stone of balance, grounding the self while bringing emotions and spirituality together.
Among crystal healing practitioners, unakite is used to support convalescence from illness. It is also believed to affect the reproductive system, healthy pregnancy and the growth of skin and hair.
Unakite is associated with two chakras: to the third eye chakra for its use in vision and scrying and to the heart chakra for its ability to balance emotions. It is not a current birthstone, but it has been historically assigned to March. It is also thought to offer patience and balance to Capricorn and Scorpio."

And yet another link and excerpt:
{ https://thecrystalcouncil.com/crystals/unakite }
"Meaning & Energy
Unakite has a special connection with one’s heart and aids in the deeper understanding of their emotional body. Simply meditating with this stone will help push out those “dead weight” feelings we continue to carry with us. These emotions serve no positive purpose and are taking up your heart occupying space. Unakite helps one push through these hardships no matter the emotional pain and allows one to truly find inner peace. This crystal has a soft touch and will keep you comfortable even when dealing with the most painful emotions. It’s a powerful transformation talisman that is here to not only strengthen your heart, but also bridge the gap where new opportunities await!
Due to Unakite having Epidote in it, this mineral is a natural enhancer of any emotion or vibration that is placed around it. For example, if one is experiencing a bad day and is carrying a piece of Unakite on them, we recommend placing it aside for the time being. Let yourself start fresh and anew the next day, with a leveled head and positive attitude."