Ruby Zoisite

Ruby Zoisite, also known as Anyolite, is a powerful combination of two minerals that was first discovered in Tanzania. In 1949 near the foot of the Kilimanjaro mountains in the Longido mining district, Tom Belvins and a secondary gem prospector first discovered this new vein. Tom had uncovered one of the largest Ruby deposits in the world with Zoisite encasing this red gem. It’s secondary name Anyolite is derived from the Masai word meaning green and its only known locality is its original mine in Tanzania. Zoisite is a mineral that is formed during the regional metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

In those environments it is found in massive form and as prismatic crystals in veins that cut schists and marbles. Zoisite is also found as crystals in pegmatites that form on the margins of igneous bodies. Green zoisite = Anyolite (black crystals on top are that of hornblende tschermakite) Pink zoisite = Thulite Blue zoisite = Tanzanite (colored by the presence of vanadium). The heat changes the oxidation state of vanadium to produce the blue color. Tanzanite was discovered in the 1960’s.

SHAPE Orthombric