In nature, unakite typically occurs in granitic masses, especially in dikes and lenses. The type locality of the rock is the Unaka Range of the Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, from which it derives its name. Unakite can also, however, be found in a number of other states, including North Carolina where it enjoys the designation of official state rock, as well as Africa. Relatively compact, the rock exhibits a hardness that ranks a 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 2.86 to 3.2.