Zoisite

Zoisite is a mineral that is typically found in shades of green, gray, brown, or pink. It is composed of calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, and sometimes contains other trace elements such as chromium, which give it a unique color.

One type of zoisite, known as tanzanite, is highly valued for its deep blue-purple color and is found only in Tanzania.

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Information about Zoisite

A gemmy mineral often used as a gemstone. Occurs as prismatic crystals.

Uses and History

Zoisite and its varieties are pretty much exclusively used as a gemstone, or for mineral specimens. In some cases, lower grade pieces are cut and polished.

Zoisite was originally described by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1805, and named after the naturalist Sigmund Zois, who sent him the original specimens.

 

Mineralogy

Chemistry
Sorosilicate mineral with the chemical formula Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
Colours and Variations
Colourless, purple, grey-white, grey, yellow, brown, pink, green, blue, violet
Streak
White/colourless
Luster
Vitreous, pearly
Transparency
Transparent to translucent
Fracture
Uneven to conchoidal
Crystal habit
Prismatic crystals with striations; massive.
Mohs hardness
6 – 7
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
3.10 – 3.36
Easiest testing method

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

 

Translations

Arabic:

  • الزويسيت

Hindi:

Portuguese:

  • Zoisita

Bengali:

Indonesian:

Punjabi:

English:

  • Zoisite

Italian:

Russian:

  • Цоизит

French:

Japanese:

  • ゾイサイト

Spanish:

  • Zoisita

German:

Korean:

  • 조이사이트

Thai:

  • ซอยไซต์

Gujurati:

Mandarin Chinese:

  • 绿帘石

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links