The chemical nature of the mineral zoisite is a silicate containing calcium and aluminum. Depending on the amount of other metals in its composition, the stone acquires different shades: green and olive due to iron, blue due to the presence of vanadium, greenish-blue due to the content of chromium and vanadium. Zoisite is characterized by a matte or glassy luster, varying degrees of transparency and high fragility. The mineral is insoluble in acids; when melted, it turns into a white bubbly mass.
Zoisite deposits
Zoisite is widespread on our planet. Its large deposits are located in the USA, Switzerland, Norway, and Austria. Bulgaria is known for its deposits of semi-precious stone. In Russia, zoisite is mined in Altai, the Urals, and Transbaikalia. But transparent pieces of jewelry quality are supplied by African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia. It is interesting that the transparency and brilliance of zoisite crystals depends on the depth of their occurrence. The closer to the surface, the brighter and cleaner the stones can be obtained.
Place of extraction
This mineral can be found all over the globe.
But individual varieties can be found only in one - two places in Tanzania you can find tanzanite, anionite, and in Norway - thulite.
Certain areas in the USA are very rich in zoisite; in particular, this mineral can be found in South Carolina, Dakota, etc. The stone is mined en masse in Denmark and Switzerland. On the territory of Russia, deposits of Zoisite are located in the Urals and Altai.
History of zoisite
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At the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, Baron Sigmund Zois von Edelstein lived in Slovenia, a province of Austria-Hungary, who was interested in biology, ornithology and mineralogy. In addition, he was known as a philanthropist who generously supported scientists and artists. Once on an expedition, the baron discovered greenish transparent crystals, which, after examination, were recognized as a new variety and received their name in honor of the discoverer. According to the name of the area where Zoiz first found the stone, it is also sometimes called "zahualpit".
But the mixture of zoisite with plagioclase was later called “Saussurite”, since it was discovered by the Swiss biologist Horace Saussure.
Physicochemical characteristics of zoisite
According to its chemical structure, the mineral zoisite is a silicate that, in addition to silicon oxide, contains aluminum, iron and metal impurities (iron, vanadium, chromium).
The stone is painted in shades of blue, green and their combinations, depending on the specific chemical composition of the sample. Zoisite is characterized by double fusion, so with a well-calculated blow to the stone it is possible to obtain a perfectly even chip. But as soon as you change the angle of exposure, this effect disappears. Zoisite does not dissolve in acids; during melting it bubbles and forms a white foam. Hardness on the Mohs scale 6, density 3.5 g/cm3.
Note
Zoisite is incredibly beautiful in all its guises, be it expensive tanzanite or simple saussurite. Choose a talisman based on your inner feelings. Be patient - it may take more than one year before zoisite gives its energy to its owner. But it’s worth it to suddenly wake up one morning as a completely different, happy person.
Photo gallery of stone
Cyosite with Ruby inside
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Types of zoisite
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There are several subspecies for zoisite:
- Tanzanites are transparent blue stones that representatives of the Tiffany jewelry house examined in Tanzania. These are very rare and for this reason very expensive gems.
- Thulites are bright pink unusual stones that got their name from the ancient Norwegian state of Thul, where their first samples were found.
- Aniolites are a mixture of green zoisite and pink or red ruby. Sometimes there are specimens painted blue-violet and similar in appearance to sapphires. Expensive variety.
- Saussurites - consist of zoisite and plagioclase, have a characteristic green tint. Externally they resemble jasper.
Magical properties of zoisite
Zoisite helps maintain peace and warm, friendly relationships in the family.
For this purpose, it is recommended to keep an amulet - a zoisite human figurine - in the house (but not in a visible place). In addition, the stone helps a person overcome mental weakness and indifference. The energy of zoisite is aimed at revealing the talents of the owner of the stone, searching for his individual and independent path. With its help, a person learns to express emotions, develops eloquence and the ability to speak in front of a large audience. Amulets made from this mineral are suitable for anyone who performs a lot in public (actors, artists, public figures, teachers).
The magical properties of zoisite depend on its color. For example, the ruby variety (aniolite) promotes harmony and peace; it becomes a source of vital energy and self-confidence. Aniolytes are used for meditation. Lavender and blue tanzanites serve as a means of contacting higher powers. The combination of zoisites with moldavites and aquamarines cleanses a person of negative energy.
The properties of zoisite appear over time and can accumulate, so it is important to carry amulets with this stone with you constantly for a long time in order to get a noticeable effect.
The magic of mineral
Zahualpit is loved by esotericists of different directions. Mediums use this mineral, or rather one variety - tanzanite, during magical rituals. It is believed that this gem establishes a connection between parallel worlds. And the joint work of zahualpite with aquamarine cleanses karma and corrects the direction of energy flows in the human body.
It is believed that a human figurine carved from zoisite protects the family hearth from strife or any negativity. Such a talisman helps spouses maintain feelings and mutual understanding, and protects the family from disintegration. An important condition for the successful operation of such a talisman is concealment from prying eyes. Any envious glances deprive the amulet of its protective power.
Zoisite is a necessary talisman for creative and public figures. The mineral helps to reveal talents, show your individuality, express your thoughts correctly, overcoming laziness, apathy and fear. These abilities are useful for artists, teachers, speakers, and politicians.
Important! When purchasing a zoisite amulet, prepare for the fact that you will not feel an immediate improvement in your life or personal qualities. Zahualpit acts slowly, accumulating energy over the years. Therefore, be patient, then positive changes will come completely unexpectedly, which will be doubly pleasant.
Bracelet from Zoisite
Esotericists claim that some supernatural abilities of the mineral manifest themselves, depending on the variety. So, aniolite is a spiritual stone. Ruby zoisite has a beneficial effect on a person’s inner world, harmonizing the spirit and cleansing the aura. A nugget helps you concentrate on experiencing beauty without focusing on material aspects. An excellent attribute for meditation.
Gentle Thulite is responsible for emotionality. With this talisman it is easier to show feelings. Pink gem improves memory and helps to gain self-confidence.
Tanzanite is a guide to the world of spirits not only for people with paranomal abilities, but also for mere mortals. With the help of blue zahualpite, a person is more closely connected with the guardian angel, as well as other invisible forces.
Healing properties of zoisite
The healing qualities of zoisite are aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases; the mineral has a calming effect and helps get rid of insomnia.
In folk medicine, the gem has found use in the treatment of the pancreas, spleen and lungs. It helps relieve inflammatory processes, strengthen the immune system and normalize metabolism. In lithotherapy, polished small zoisites are used in the treatment of diseases of the spine - they are applied to the sore spot. Zoisite and ruby go well together as healing stones. Together they normalize blood pressure, relieve headaches, help with migraines, and relieve pain. In addition, they are used in the treatment of impotence, both female and male infertility.
Applications of zoisite
Zoisite, due to its qualities and wide color palette, is actively used in the jewelry industry. Jewelry (pendants, pendants, earrings) is made from transparent specimens, and costume jewelry, amulets, talismans and amulets are made from opaque specimens. Large opaque samples serve as ornamental material for making bowls, vases, amphorae, figurines and sculptures.
Zoisite colors
Zoisite crystals can be either transparent or opaque, and their color range is very diverse. Transparent zoisite can be colored yellow, grey, pink and green. Blue specimens are the rarest of all; in the sun they shimmer with violet and lilac. Opaque zoisite can be either monochromatic or multi-colored. Green stones often contain red ruby inclusions.
How to distinguish real zoisite from a fake
Rare varieties of zoisite are counterfeited quite often. When determining the authenticity of a mineral, the analysis begins with the assessment of black inclusions on its surface. Chaotic and shapeless spots are a clear sign of a fake, and the arrangement, like in kiwi seeds, indicates the authenticity of the sample. In addition, fakes often add too much ruby impurity in the form of red spots. In a thread of natural zoisite beads, such inclusions will appear on just a couple of beads. And if you split such a fake bead, it turns out that it is colored only on top.
How to care for zoisite
Zoisite is a fairly resistant stone to external influences; it is protected only from high temperatures and their sudden changes.
To clean zoisite products, use a warm soapy solution and a soft brush, after which they are washed with running water and dried thoroughly.
Rules of care
Zoisite is a mineral characterized by increased fragility. Since this stone is recommended to be worn constantly to reveal its properties, it must be handled with care.
What recommendations should be followed to ensure that the stone retains its extraordinary beauty and lasts a long time?
- Store zoisite separately from other minerals in a box with soft walls.
- Remove jewelry from the stone before taking a bath or physical activity, so that moisture and sweat particles do not fall on its surface.
- Protect the gem from sudden changes in temperature.
- Protect from any mechanical impact.
- If the stone has become dull, it is washed with running water and dried with a soft cloth.
In order for the magical properties of zoisite to increase, it is placed for recharging under the sun's rays or in close proximity to rock crystal.
Zoisite and zodiac sign
Zoisite is a patron for those born under the sign of Aquarius, it will restrain their impulsiveness, and under the sign of Gemini, for whom it will help overcome laziness and streamline their goals and desires.
Zoisites will also be a good talisman against unpleasant events for Taurus and Libra. This stone should be worn with caution by hot-tempered and emotional Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. The effect of zoisite on them can be softened by rock crystal, moonstone, rose quartz or cat's eye.
Of the varieties of zoisite, aniolite is recognized as the patron saint for Aries, tanzanite for Virgo, and thulite for Gemini and Taurus.
Astrological compatibility
Zoisite earrings
Astrologers are inclined to believe that zoisite affects each of the zodiac signs differently. For some, the mineral will be an ideal talisman, but for others, the nugget is contraindicated unless combined with other minerals. Zoisite promises certain changes for each sign:
- For Aquarius, zoisite is an ideal talisman, but only for the fair sex. Aquarius women who strive to reach the top will gain the necessary confidence, attractiveness, and prudence.
- Gemini will attract the necessary acquaintances using zoisite. For women who have problems conceiving, the stone will give them their first child. Men will become more successful in building strong family relationships. The gem is useful for Geminis suffering from alcohol addiction.
- Aries will be able to moderate their emotional fervor, become wiser and more positive. Natural egoism will move aside, giving way to responsiveness and stability.
- For Cancers, zoisite is a stone of harmony, peace of mind, bringing a person mutual understanding and success in all areas of life.
- For active and purposeful Taurus, the talisman promises the activation of the best qualities of their character. The mineral literally educates the representatives of this constellation, making Taurus more hardworking and practical. This helps to achieve success in all endeavors.
- Leos are often guided by emotions when making important life decisions. Zoisite will tame the impulsiveness of Leo, thanks to which people of this sign will become rational, hardworking, more dynamic and less proud.
- Scorpios, who live by emotions and experiences, need zoisite to restore mental balance. This will help you find mutual understanding with the world around you.
- Pisces are often unsure of themselves, which prevents them from going ahead towards their own goals. Zahualpit can solve this problem. For Pisces, this mineral is also a love talisman.
- For Sagittarius, the gem is a barrier from negativity, not only external (envy, black magic), but also internal (bad thoughts).
- Zoisite will help Capricorns protect themselves from actions that have unpleasant consequences, as well as gain financial independence.
- For Libra, the main goal is balance. Zoisite will help maintain balance, preventing one of the cups from falling to the negative side. In addition, Libra will show a desire for knowledge and develop intuition.
- Calm Virgos occasionally have outbursts of aggression, which zoisite can stop. This will help improve existing relationships, as well as successfully build new ones.
Important!
It is worth noting that the stone will not work independently for all signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius need to supplement zoisite with the energy of other minerals - rock crystal, cat's or tiger's eye. In addition to this, skeptical Sagittarius will also need faith in the power of the stone, otherwise the talisman will not reveal its potential and will serve only as a decoration.
Zoisite compatibility with zodiac sign (table):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility (the more “+” signs, the better) |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | ++ |
| Twins | +++ |
| Cancer | ++ |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | ++ |
| Scales | ++ |
| Scorpion | ++ |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | ++ |
| Aquarius | +++ |
| Fish | ++ |
Prices for zoisite products
The price for 1 carat of zoisite ranges from $50-500 depending on color and transparency. Beads, bracelets, earrings and rings made of opaque stones are priced cheaper than jewelry samples and are generally available to the consumer. So, earrings can be purchased for 5-10 dollars. Green zoisite beads 50 cm long cost about $15, a gray bracelet costs $15-20.
Price
The price of a stone or jewelry depends on the type, physical condition, and frame material (price/rub.):
- tanzanite beads – 9,800 – 21,400;
- ring (gilded silver, insert 15x7 mm) – 27,200;
- bracelet (rhodium-plated brass, 3-5 mm) – 2,240;
- tumbling (zoisite, 20-25 mm) – 360;
- tumbling (thulite, 15-30 mm) – 470 – 580.
Ring with zoisite
On the world market, transparent tanzanite (processed stone) can be bought for $50-500 per carat. The second most valuable is anionite.
