Zoisite Gemstones

Sign In

Sign Up
English speaking customer support only
1-800-464-1640
Change Language
- English
- Français
- Español
- Italiano
- Deutsch
- Pусский
- 中文
- 日本語
- العربية
- Português
- 한국인
USD
Change Currency
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- AED = United Arab Emirates Dirham
- AUD = Australian Dollar
- BHD = Bahraini Dinar
- BND = Brunei Dollar
- CAD = Canadian Dollar
- CHF = Swiss Franc
- CNY = Chinese Yuan
- CZK = Czech Koruna
- DKK = Danish Krone
- EGP = Egyptian Pound
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- HKD = Hong Kong Dollar
- IDR = Indonesian Rupiah
- ILS = Israeli New Shekel
- INR = Indian Rupee
- IQD = Iraqi Dinar
- JOD = Jordanian Dinar
- JPY = Japanese Yen
- KRW = South Korean Won
- KWD = Kuwaiti Dinar
- MXN = Mexican Peso
- MYR = Malaysian Ringgit
- NOK = Norwegian Krone
- NZD = New Zealand Dollar
- OMR = Omani Rial
- PHP = Philippine Piso
- PLN = Polish Złoty
- QAR = Qatari Riyal
- RUB = Russian Ruble
- SAR = Saudi Riyal
- SEK = Swedish Krona
- SGD = Singapore Dollar
- TWD = New Taiwan Dollar
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- VND = Vietnamese Dồng
- ZAR = South African Rand

Gemstones
Gemstones By Color
Gemstones By Color
Popular Gemstones
Popular Gemstones
- Sapphire
- Topaz
- Amethyst
- Emerald
- Citrine
- Ruby
- Tourmaline
- Garnet
- Tanzanite
- Aquamarine
- Opal
- Zircon
New Arrivals
Gems By Price
Pairs
Lots
Calibrated
Birthstones
Birthstones

By Gavin Clarke Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk Jun 06, 2008 Updated Nov 13, 2017

Zoisite Gemstones

The mineral, zoisite, was first discovered by the mineral dealer Simon Prešern, who discovered it in the Saualpe Mountains of Austria in 1805. He brought a sample to the Slovenian mineralogist, Sigmund Zois (1747-1819), who recognized it as a previously unknown mineral. It was first named 'saualpite', after its location, then it was named 'zoisite' in honor of Baron Zois.

Tanzanite Gemstone

It sounds like just another story about the discovery of an obscure mineral. But zoisite turned out to be an important gemstone mineral when a new variety of zoisite was discovered in Tanzania in 1967. That find eventually led to the marketing of one of the most popular gemstones of our time; tanzanite.

There are three gemstone members of the zoisite species; tanzanite, thulite and anyolite. Zoisite is composed of calcium aluminum silicate and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. When found in distinct crystals (rather than in massive form) it has quite a high refractive index, which is just slightly lower than that of spinel.

Natural Thulite

Tanzanite is still only found in its first location in Tanzania and is very well-known. However, thulite and anyolite are not. Thulite is an opaque, massive manganese-rich variety of zoisite that is pink in color. It was first discovered in Norway in 1820 and named after the mythical island of Thule. Thulite is usually cut as cabochons or carved into ornamental objects. Since the first find in Norway, deposits have also been found in Western Australia, Namibia and North Carolina in the USA.

Anyolite was first discovered near Longido in Tanzania in 1954. Though considered a variety of zoisite, it is a metamorphic rock that is composed of intergrown green zoisite, black hornblende and ruby. Sometimes it is called ruby-zoisite, since its chief attraction is the interesting contrast of green zoisite and red ruby. The name 'anyolite' apparently comes from the Masai word, anyoli, meaning "green".

Ruby-Zoisite Cabochon

Anyolite (ruby-zoisite) is generally carved into ornamental objects. The variable amount of ruby in this material is opaque and of low quality, so there is no attempt to extract the ruby from it. Tanzania continues to be the main producer of anyolite, where it is mined in appreciable quantities for gem carvers and collectors.

The discovery and marketing of tanzanite is fascinating enough to deserve its own story. Please see our articles on the discovery of tanzanite and tanzanite prices for further information.

About Us

Gemstone Information Sign up for our Newsletter

Overall Rating -> 10

Excellent selection of products. Website easy to navigate and make purchases.

Posted By David in April, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Easy to navigate.

Posted By Lainey in January, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

This site is *amazing*! The vast selection is almost enough to make you giggle. Oh, wait…If you want it, it’s probably here. I’ve read some reviews saying it’s hard to use the search filters but I found the opposite to be true. In fact, it’s plain fun to throw different filters on and see what you come up with. I ordered a small stone to sort of try them out and, dang! I’m so thoroughly impressed that I think I found a new hobby. The stone I got was exact what was represented on the site. So much so that I had to really look to see the difference between the picture and the stone that I got. And the range of prices. Wow! From a few dollars to tens of thousands if you’re into like, Ruby’s, Emerald’s, Sapphire’s and other gems that make you drool. And the cuts! The shapes and cuts are just plain gorgeous!Honestly, I can’t possibly say just how happy I am with this purchase! Now… off to make another…

Posted By Tom_63 in July, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 9

I was led to the site by google when looking for specific green sapphire briolette. Site is well laid out and very easy to purchase from. Hope the stone is as satisfying!

Posted By Flutie in March, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Need a jem stone forring

Posted By Na in December, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I recommend to others

Posted By Kazzan in February, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 9

Everything was good but since I am still new I was surprised at how small the stones where.