Formed by granite that has been transformed by hydrothermal activity, unakite is a stone composed of greenish epidote mixed with pink feldspar. Named after the Unaka mountains in the Appalachian range where it was first discovered, unakite’s combination of durability and inexpensive price makes it a popular stone for decorative carving.
Semi-precious stone beads are mined all over the world and then are usually cut in China. They will often be dyed or color-treated to enhance their appearance. We select the best quality semi-precious that is available, and try to avoid finishes that are not durable. It is best to assume that some semi-precious beads will fade over time.