Zoisite

"Stone of Return"

Displaying a captivating trichroism in its unheated state, often showing pleochroic hues of violet-blue, green, and yellow-brown depending on the viewing angle, Zoisite is a calcium aluminum silicate mineral belonging to the epidote group. Its name honors the Carniolan naturalist Sigmund Zois Freiherr von Edelstein, who identified it in the early 19th century. While typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks, it is the vibrant blue to violet variety, Tanzanite, that has garnered significant fame in the gem world. However, Zoisite also occurs in beautiful green (often with ruby inclusions, known as Anyolite or Ruby in Zoisite), pink (Thulite), and other less common colours. Significant deposits of Zoisite are found in Tanzania (the sole source of gem-quality Tanzanite), Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Kenya (Anyolite), and the United States. With a hardness ranging from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Zoisite offers reasonable durability for jewelry, though care should still be taken to avoid scratching. Its lustre is typically vitreous (glassy), and it can range from transparent to translucent to opaque. While Zoisite itself has a history tied to its scientific discovery and mineralogical significance, its most famous variety, Tanzanite, has a relatively recent but remarkable history, having been discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and quickly becoming a highly sought-after gemstone. The green variety with ruby inclusions, Anyolite, also holds cultural significance in East Africa. Symbolically, Zoisite in its various forms is often associated with transformation, growth, patience, and emotional healing. Green Zoisite (Anyolite) is believed to promote individuality and connection to nature, while pink Thulite is linked to love and compassion. Zoisite's diverse colours lend themselves to various jewellery applications. Tanzania remains the primary source for gem-quality Tanzanite, making ethical sourcing and responsible mining practices paramount.