Distinctive pink and green metamorphic rock composed of pink orthoclase feldspar and green epidote with quartz. Texture: Granular. Rock type: Metamorphic Altered granite. Grain size: Medium. Parent rock: Granite. Minerals present: Orthoclase pink, Epidote green, Quartz. Formation: Forms from hydrothermal alteration of granite where plagioclase is replaced by epidote. Common geological settings: Unaka Mountains North Carolina/Tennessee , South Africa, Brazil; found in altered granitic terranes. Common look-alikes and related entries: Granite, Epidosite, Zoisite rock.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:39:24.314941+00:00
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Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
Distinctive pink and green metamorphic rock composed of pink orthoclase feldspar and green epidote with quartz.
How can you identify Unakite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Metamorphic Altered granite; texture: Granular; grain size: Medium; common minerals: Orthoclase pink, Epidote green, Quartz. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Unakite form?
Forms from hydrothermal alteration of granite where plagioclase is replaced by epidote.
Where is Unakite commonly found?
Unaka Mountains North Carolina/Tennessee , South Africa, Brazil; found in altered granitic terranes.
What is Unakite commonly confused with?
Unakite may be confused with Granite, Epidosite, Zoisite rock. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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