Zoisite

**Background * History**

Zoisite was originally named Saualpite for the locality Saualpe in Carinthia, Austria, where it occurs in Eclogites. The name Zoisite was introduced by A.G. Werner in 1805 to honor Sigmund Zois, Baron von Edelstein (1747-1819), Austrian scholar who financed mineral-collecting expeditions. It was from Baron Zois that Werner obtained the specimen from Saualpe (found by mineral dealer Simon Prešern in 1804). Ruby Zoisite is the natural combination of both Ruby and Zoisite crystals in a single specimen. It is also known as Anyolite, a name derived from the Masai word for »green« (anyoli). Other name variations include »Ruby-in-Zoisite« and »Tanganyika art stone«. Ruby-Zoisite was discovered at the Longido mining district in northeast Tanzania by Tom Blevins (English prospector). To this day, Tanzania remains the only source for Ruby-Zoisite. Blevins had initially thought that he had found vast Ruby deposits in 1949, but it later turned out to be a green Zoisite matrix with large inclusions of mostly opaque Ruby. Ruby-Zoisite is also heavily included with black hornblende minerals. Ruby-Zoisite can vary tremendously in color, pattern and hardness. Zoisite provides an earthy green color, while Ruby inclusions give it pink and red highlights.

**Healing Properties * Metaphysical**

anxiety, astral travel, bacterial infection, blood, circulation, comfort, courage, fear, fertility, frigidity, harmony, healing, heart, impotence, joy, meditation, mood-swings, negative energy, passion, patience, psychic communication, self-control, self-esteem, sexual energy, spirituality, spontaneity, strength…

Chakra

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Moirai.si does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.

Gemological Properties

Chemical Composition	Ca₂Al₃[Si₂O₇][SiO₄]O(OH)
Color	colorless, purple, grayish-white, grey, yellowish-brown, yellow, pink, green
Hardness (Mohs)	6.5 – 7
Specific Gravity	3.35
Refractive Index	1.691-1.700

Origin and Gemstone Sources

Zoisite: Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Tanzania, Slovenia…
Ruby-Zoisite: Tanzania

Care

Zoisite can be easily cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to rinse it well to remove any soapy residue. Jasper is quite porous which allows it to be easily stained, absorbing other chemicals and colors very easily. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, as heating quartz can permanently alter the color of your gemstones. When storing gemstones or gemstone jewelry, store them inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth separately from other type of gemstones to prevent damage or scratches. It is best to remove any jewelry before engaging in any strenuous physical activity, such as exercise or sports. Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray on your precious gems.

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Zodiac

Aries, Aquarius