RUBY ZOISITE GEMSTONE

RUBY ZOISITE GEMSTONE

Ruby Zoisite, violet-blue Tanzanite and opaque pink Thulite are all gemstone varieties of the mineral Zoisite.

Ruby Zoisite is of a calcium aluminum silicate chemical composition. Its crystal structure is orthorhombic, multifaced prismatic and mostly striated. Ruby Zoisite has a mottled appearance of green Zoisite with large inclusions of red Ruby and black Hornblende. It has a perfect cleavage and is opaque. When cut and polished, top-grade Ruby Zoisite exhibits a glass-like luster.

Ruby Zoisite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is apt for most types of jewelry.

Ruby-Zoisite is synonymous with Anyolite. The name Anyolite is derived from the Masai word for green which is ANYOLI. It was first discovered in Longido, Tanzania in 1954 by Tom Blevins, an English prospector.

Other name varieties are Ruby-in-Zoisite and Tanganyika Artstone.
Ruby Zoisite can be confused with Chloromelanite (which is a Jade-Albite or Maw-Sit-Sit from Burma) but tends to exhibit more red and pink colors than Chloromelanite.

Ruby Zoisite is usually polished into cabochons and beads and carved into ornamental figures. The red Ruby in green Zoisite is opaque and of low quality.

Ruby Zoisite can only be found in Tanzania, just like this other member of the Zoisite species, Tanzanite.

Generally Ruby Zoisite cutters try to retain as much of the red Ruby as possible because Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, whereas Zoisite and Hornblende have a hardness of only about 6.5. Nevertheless, it is usually cut to show the most attractive color contrasts of the stone.

Ruby Zoisite are also tumbled and drilled. Ruby Zoisite beads are quite popular. Large oval shapes are most popular. On rare occasion, fine materials may be faceted.

Ruby-zoisite is not known to be treated or enhanced in any way.
Ruby Zoisite gemstone has the healing properties of red Ruby and green Zoisite and black Hornblende.

The red of Ruby represents the eternal Fire. The green in Zoisite represents the element of Earth. It is a perfect gemstone to balance the elements and energies of Fire and Earth.

Ruby Zoisite is associated with the root, solar plexus and heart chakra which have an impact on our animal instinct, food survival, psychic ability and spirituality. As a root chakra gemstone, it helps to enhance fertility in both men and women and to also increase vitality. As a solar plexus chakra gemstone, it helps in healing bacterial infections. As it also resonates with the energies of the heart, it helps to balance mood swings and acquire patience, understanding and compassion.

Ruby Zoisite is the astrological gemstone for both the signs of Aries and Aquarius.

Ruby Zoisite displays a perfect cleavage which means that it can easily split and fracture with a hard knock or blow. Therefore, keep your gemstone away from other harder jewelries.

Avoid exposing your precious Ruby Zoisite to strong heat, direct light and sudden temperature changes. Also, keep your semi-precious stone away from harsh chemicals such as bleach, cleaners and detergents and acids.

When cleaning your Ruby Zoisite use a soft cloth with soap and water. Remember to rinse well of all soapy residue.