Can Unakite Go In Water? (ANSWERED)

Yes, unakite can be placed in water, but we don’t recommend long soaks.

In the article that follows, you’ll learn more about unakite, and why it is that we don’t recommend soaking this stone.

Can Unakite Go In Water? (EXPLAINED)

Generally, softer stones don’t tolerate water as well as harder stones do.

Some stones are more soluble in water or other solutions as well.

With unakite, the reason we don’t recommend soaking has nothing to do with hardness or solubility.

Unakite is a pretty hard stone, ranking a 6-7 on the Moh’s scale of hardness.

It is not known to be overly soluble (like gypsum or halite).

Instead, the reason we don’t recommend soaking unakite has to do with the chemical formation of the stone (what it is), as well as the damage water can do to it.

What Is Unakite?

Unakite is a metamorphic rock, formed from granite (an igneous rock) which was altered by hydrothermal activity.

(That is, granite passed through ultra-hot waters and transformed itself into unakite.)

Unakite is known as a ‘true rock’, as it is created from a combination of multiple materials.

This blend of clear or blueish quartz, pink orthoclase feldspar and epidote, is what is responsible for providing the rock with its unique combination of moss green and salmon pink color.

While mostly found with green as its dominant color, without the pink feldspar it is not considered unakite and the stone’s correct name would then be epidosite, which is entirely green in color.

Unakite may contain a variety of other minerals, as well as small traces of apatite, magnetite, chromite, zircon, and ilmenite have been found in the stone.

Mystery Minerals and Water

Some substances react poorly with water (such as cooper) to create unfortunate gases.

Other minerals react with water more slowly, causing discoloration of the stone (like when the metals in a specimen start to rust).

Unakite is a mixture.

This means that one piece of unakite may not be chemically the same as others.

Your unakite may contain asbestos, copper, or even mercury, and you wouldn’t even know it.

You might think you know what you have from a visual exterior examination of the stone.

But the stone may not be consistent chemically.

As a result, water may or may not be a good thing to put the stone in.

Physical Damage Regardless of Hardness

While harder materials tolerate water better, it is still not a very good idea to soak your specimens in water for extended periods of time unless you have a specific purpose in mind.

Water is known to do damage to the shiny finish of cool rocks, coming out of the water bath looking dull, lacking luster, feeling less smooth, or even having changed color.

Depending upon the softness/hardness of the water, deposits may form on the stone that are difficult to remove, especially if they are in cracks or corners.

Water can also encourage the formation of cracks or fissures in the stone, which can later lead to physical instability in the piece (meaning it cracks or breaks apart more easily under stress).

Yes, lots of people soak their stones, to clean them, to make them look more beautiful on display, or for metaphysical meaning/purpose.

You are welcome to do so, as long as you understand the potential ramifications of your actions.

Many people new to crystals/gems find themselves extremely disappointed upon pulling out a new shiny wand just purchased from a recent rock show out of a water bath, as they find the shiny finish has been stripped and the piece no longer looks like it did at the show.

Cleaning Unakite

Unakite’s hardness makes it easily washed in running water or cleaned with a soapy damp cloth.

Though unakite should not be subjected to harsh chemicals and must be kept away from steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning equipment, as they have been known to damage this stone.

When exposed to water, or placed in water, make sure the water not too hot.

If unakite is subjected to extreme heat, the stone could change color.

Make sure the stone is completely dry before storing it.

Additional Information About Unakite

Unakite is sometimes referred to as Unakite Jasper or Epidote, which derives its name from the Greek word epidosis, which means “growing together”.

An apt name for a stone with two contrasting colours, and a combination of stones.

It is because of this combination of two colors, that unakite is believed to be a stone of balance, which grounds the emotional and spiritual aspects of the person.

It is believed that the stones’ green color promotes soothing feelings, and the pink color found within the stone is connected to love and passion.

Wrap Up

All these factors – that it is easy to cut and maintain, inexpensive, and its supposed healing properties – are what makes this stone popular with artists, designers, jewelry makers, and craftsmen alike.