#164a

 

About Ruby-Zoisite - History and Introduction

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 artstone". Ruby-zoisite was discovered at the Longido mining district in northeast Tanzania by Tom Blevins, an 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.

 

Depending on its primary constituents, ruby-in-zoisite can vary tremendously in color, pattern and hardness. Zoisite provides an earthy green color, while ruby inclusions give it pink and red highlights.  Although ruby-zoisite is not fine ruby, it eventually found a purpose in carvings and cabochons.

 

Crafterbyheart is My Jewelry Shop making handcrafted original, one of a kind pieces.. Thanks for checking out my Jewelry.

 

*****************************************************************************************************

I am not a Gemologist or a Lapidary. Gemstones were identified at the time of purchase by the supplier. Any errors, discrepancies, or omissions are not intentional. All gemstone meanings, metaphysical properties and associated verbiage are not claims of fact but have been gathered from writing, books, folklore and various sources.