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Are you unsure if your Unakite is real? Is it a fake being passed off as the real deal? Is it another stone altogether? Let's learn to pick out genuine Unakite crystals for your collection.
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Unakite is a stone composed mainly of green Epidote, pink Feldspar, and clear to white Quartz. To learn in-depth about Unakite, visit Unakite Crystal Meaning.
The best way to know if your Unakite is real is to buy from a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you.
Luckily, most real Unakite is not treated or dyed. However, you may find vendors mislabeling their stones or passing off manmade materials as the real thing.
If you do not have access to a reputable seller, here are some tips to follow to tell if your Unakite is real:
Real Unakite is a 6-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes it harder than stainless steel. It will not be scratched by stainless steel (which is a 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness). Use your steel keys, knife, or scissors to scratch the surface of the stone. It should not scratch. You could also try this test with an Apatite crystal which is a 5 on the scale or glass which is 5.5.
It will be scratched by Topaz, Corundum, Masonry Drill Bits, or Diamonds.
Real Unakite will never have air bubbles. Air bubbles are an indication of glass. Use a magnifying jeweler's loupe to help you see into the stone.
Real Unakite will have inclusions. Notice the mineral inclusions, veins, craters, dips, and imperfections in your stone. You may not find these in a fake.
Real Unakite is not magnetic. However, if magnetite is one of the inclusions in your particular stone you may encounter a weak magnetism.
Real Unakite will always have a white streak. Despite its outward appearance, Real Unakite will have a white or clear powder in the crystal streak test.
Real Unakite will always have pink. Even if it's a tiny bit, Real Unakite will show some pinkish Feldspar inclusions. If it's only green, then it is Epidosite.
Real Unakite has a stable color. Testing with acetone should not remove any color from the stone.
Real Unakite has a specific gravity between 2.85 and 3.20. Here is a video on how to measure your stone's density at home.
Real Unakite has a refractive index range of 1.525 to 1.760. This test requires a refractometer.
Real Unakite is always cold to the touch. It will take a while to heat up in your hands whereas plastic or resin will be relatively warmer.
Real Unakite will resist heat. Plastics and other weaker materials will melt well before Unakite ever does.
Real Unakite does not fluoresce under UV light. However, some mineral inclusions in the Unakite may.
Real Unakite may show pleochroism. Depending on the Epidote's formation, some Unakite may appear to change colors depending on the angle of light.
Real Unakite will not dissolve in water. Faux Unakite made of clay or other materials may dissolve.
None of these tests are conclusive in themselves. If you are still unsure, you can send your Unakite to a certified gemological laboratory for testing. You can also find additional tips in the Crystal Identification Help.
Some vendors may be naively or deceptively labeling their Unakite as Jasper. Unakite is not a Jasper, but Jasper is a better-known stone, which may lead buyers to be more attracted to it.
If you see Unakite Jasper on the market, buyer beware! Buy from a trusted vendor.
The power of real Unakite can never be replaced by fakes. Go ahead, try it for yourself. Here are real stones from the Satin Crystals' Unakite Collection to add to your treasures:
Have any questions about crystals? Comment below! Sheila, Ann, and Lisa Satin would love to hear from you. We'll reply soon.
Disclaimer: The metaphysical information provided is for entertainment only.
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