Unakite Cat 1.50 Inch

Description

Each miniature cat is carved by skilled artisans from natural unakite, a colorful combination of green epidote, pink orthoclase feldspar, and clear quartz. The stone is cut to accentuate its mottled color patterns and polished to a soft luster. The graceful 1.5-inch form captures the feline’s poised stance — alert yet serene — mirroring the harmonious blend of colors within the stone itself.

Geological Background

Unakite is a metamorphic rock first identified in the Unaka Mountains of North Carolina and now found in many regions worldwide. It forms when granite is altered by hydrothermal activity, transforming feldspar to pink orthoclase and introducing green epidote in the matrix of quartz. South African sources produce material with distinct balance between rosy and olive tones, ideal for small sculptures and cabochons.

Scientific Classification

History & Cultural Context

Named after the Unaka Mountains of the U.S., Unakite became a popular ornamental stone in the late 19th century for cameos and small carvings. Its blended colors came to represent balance between heart (pink) and growth (green). Carvers adopted the material for animal sculpture due to its durability and natural earth-tone contrast, linking stone and wildlife as expressions of stability and grace.

Symbolism & Meaning of the Cat Form

Across cultures, the cat symbolizes independence, mystery, intuition, and guardianship of the home. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as protectors of sacred spaces; in modern symbolism they embody agility and self-trust. When carved from unakite, the meaning deepens:

• The green epidote signifies growth and healing of the natural world.

• The pink feldspar represents emotional understanding and compassion.

• Together, they reflect the cat’s ability to balance solitude and connection, instinct and grace.

Collectors often select unakite cats as symbols of inner equilibrium — quiet reminders to move through life with both curiosity and poise.

Aesthetic & Collector Evaluation

Each 1.5-inch carving features a distinct mosaic of green and pink tones. No two are alike; some show fine quartz veins or mottled patterns suggestive of fur. The stone’s natural hardness allows a high polish that highlights subtle color interplay. Compact size makes it a charming accent for display shelves or crystal collections.

Care & Handling

Clean with a soft, dry cloth or lukewarm water. Avoid chemicals and prolonged sunlight that may fade color. Store separately to prevent scratching from harder stones.