Ruby-Zoisite, also known as anyolite, is the natural combination of ruby and zoisite crystals in a single specimen. Zoisite, the same mineral as tanzanite, provides an earthy green and black color while ruby lends pink and red highlights. Ruby-zoisite is usually shaped as cabochons or carved into decorative shapes, including animals and religious icons.
Ruby-Zoisite was first discovered in 1954 in Tanzania. The name anyolite derives from the word for "green" in the native language of the Massai.
Ruby-Zoisite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and is thus of moderate hardness.
Ruby-Zoisite colors
Buying Ruby-Zoisite
Where is Ruby-Zoisite found?
Common Ruby-Zoisite Treatments
World-famous Ruby-Zoisite
Ruby-Zoisite gemology
Ruby-Zoisite legends & lore
Ruby-Zoisite colors
The green zoisite rock carries black hornblende inclusions and large, but mostly opaque, rubies. Cut and polished ruby-zoisite Specimens vary by color, according to the presence of ruby. Most specimens will display three colors -- green, black and red. Buying Ruby-Zoisite
Even large specimens are offered at affordable prices.
Clarity
Due to its massive inclusions most ruby-zoisite are opaque.
Cut
Usually shaped in cabochon cut, or carved in decorative shapes. Ruby-Zoisite location and deposits
Ruby-Zoisite, like tanzanite, is only found in Tanzania. Common Ruby-Zoisite treatments
There are no common treatments for Ruby-Zoisite known.
World-famous Ruby-Zoisite
Ruby-Zoisite didn't make it to the gemstone hall of fame. Ruby-Zoisite gemology
Species: Zoisite
Color: Green with black and opaque ruby inclusions
Chemical composition: Ca2Al3(Sio4)3(OH) calcium aluminum silicate
Crystal system: Orthorhombic, multifaced prisms, mostly striated
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 3.35
Refractive index: 1.691 - 1.700
Birefringence: +0.009
Color of streak: White,
Fluorescence: None The Ruby-Zoisite zodiac, myth & legend
As a lesser-known and relatively new gemstone, ruby-zoisite produces a blank page in the books of myth, history, wisdom, the zodiac scheme or the relation between planets and mankind. |
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