
This article sheds light on the meaning, history and uses of the unakite stone.
Unakite is a unique gemstone with its pink and green color hue mixture. Though it is unclear exactly when it was first discovered, it gets its name from its first known location much like labradorite. The stone was found in the United States in the Unaka Range on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and is part of the Blue Ridge physiographic province. The first known use of the word unakite dates back to 1874 and comes from the combination of Unaka and -ite, which is a common suffix for minerals and stones.
Unakite Highlights
- Unakite derives its name from the Unaka Mountain Range in the United States.
- It is a metamorphic rock that forms when granite has undergone change through hydrothermal activity.
- It is made up of green epidote, pink orthoclase, and a clear to blue-grey quartz.
- It can be found in New Jersey, and in other parts of the world such as Brazil and China.
- It usually forms in areas where there are converging plate boundaries.
- Unakite has been used in architecture and in lapidary applications.
- The first known use of unakite dates back to 1874.
- It contains the mineral epidote, which comes from the Greek word epididonai which means “to give additionally.”
- It is a stone that facilitates compassion and nurturing.
- Unakite is ideal for activating the Heart (4th) and Third Eye (6th) Chakras.
The Formation and Mining of Unakite
Formation of Unakite
Being a metamorphic rock, unakite forms when granite is changed through the process of hydrothermal activity. During this process, plagioclase that is found in the original granite is usurped by epidote. The end result is what gives its unique color, with the green epidote mixing with the pink orthoclase, as well as clear to a blue-grey quartz. Other minerals can also occur in unakite. These include magnetite, chromite, zircon, and many other minerals.
Mining of Unakite
The stone was first found in the United States in the Unaka Range. It has also been found in Piedmont physiographic province in New Jersey. Similar stones can be found in a few places across the world, which include Brazil and China. Typically, this stone forms where there are two converging plate boundaries.
Unakite Throughout History
Unakite being a recent discovery, it doesn’t have as rich of a history as other stones. However, since it was first found, it has been used in architecture and has found applications in lapidary products. It is a popular stone used in beads and other forms of jewelry due to its beautiful green and pink color that makes it stand out among other stones.
Uses and Benefits of Unakite
Heal One’s Heart and Mind
Combining the earthiness of its green energy as well as the compassion of pink, unakite is a stone that has the ability to heal one’s heart and mind. It helps those who have suffered from a dark past to overcome it and focuses on the present and where their future will take them. It is one of the most naturally nurturing stones and helps balance the body both physically and mentally.
Peace of Mind
Contained within its mineral composition is epidote, which derives from the Greek word epididonai which means “to give additionally.” It is a stone that will indeed give additionally by supporting one’s heart and lungs, balancing the functions of these internal body processes. Moreover, it can help those who suffer from stress, allowing these individuals the peace of mind to get a good night sleep.
Activating the 4th and 6th Chakras
Activating the 4th Chakra
With its energy that facilitates compassion in those that carry and meditate with unakite, it makes it a perfect fit to activate the Heart (4th) Chakra. It allows you to show more compassion towards others as well as love. It can at the same time be protective, regulating what we take in and what we block out from our interaction with the external world.
Activating the 6th Chakra
The green hues are excellent for grounding, which lends itself to activating the Third Eye (6th) Chakra. It allows us to gain spiritual knowledge and visions while not getting too lost in this higher realm. It allows us to come to terms with past events and how they have informed our present. In doing so, it lets us understand our present state while also providing a clearer picture of our future.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for entertainment and reference purposes only. It is based on centuries of folklore, most of which came about before the age of modern medicine. It is not meant as actual medical information. For advice about any of the illnesses listed, please visit a qualified physician.