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Ruby Zoisite Properties, Facts and Photos

Ruby zoisite mineral on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

What is Ruby Zoisite?

Ruby zoisite is a colourful metamorphic rock that combines crystals of red corundum with green zoisite.  Black inclusions of hornblende (amphibole) are often present.

Due to its impressive colour ruby zoisite is widely used for decorative purposes.  The difference in hardness of the minerals corundum and zoisite can make working with the stone quite difficult.

On Mohs scale of hardness zoisite grades 6.5 whilst corundum grades 9.  Diamond which is the hardest natural mineral grades 10 on the scale.

Gem-grade red corundum is ruby.

The vast majority of ruby zoisite comes from Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania.  Another rare mineral called tanzanite also comes from this area.

The largest deposit is the Mundarara mine but smaller mines are operated by the Masai.  

The name 'anyolite' which is also sometimes used comes from the Maasai word 'anyoli' meaning 'green'.  The Maasai prefer to call the stone ruby in zoisite as an expression of pride that ruby can be found on their land.

The name 'ruby in zoisite' is widely used around the world.  It happens to be a more accurate description of what this material is.

Ruby zoisite is believed to have formed during the Neoproterozoic era.  This geological time period spans from approximately 1 billion to 541 million years ago.

cut and polished piece of ruby zoisite from TanzaniaAlthough often described as a mineral ruby zoisite is actually a rock.  That's because it's made up of two different minerals, corundum and zoisite.  

Ruby zoisite is often confused with ruby in fuchsite which can have a very similar appearance.  The vast majority comes from southern India.  With it more being readily available it's also considerably cheaper.

Fuchsite is a type of green mica which is much softer than zoisite.  Mica minerals occur in fine layers.   

Ruby Zoisite Healing Properties

Ruby zoisite is said to enhance psychic powers including the ability to enter a trance.  It helps increase creativity and uniqueness without losing connection with humanity.

It's believed to amplify the energy field around the body.  

Ruby zoisite helps develop spiritual learning and enables you to have a better understanding of life and everything it has to offer.  We're the master of our own destiny but the pressures of everyday life often leads to us losing our way.

The combination of ruby and zoisite work together to help us untangle ourselves from what we perceive to be normal.  Our repetitive daily routine is often the very thing that's holding us back.

Once free only then do we have the opportunity to find serenity and happiness.

Ruby zoisite is a stone of strength that will push you to achieve your dreams.  When used for past-life work it brings clarity to memories and eases the journey.  It can also be used for deep healing of the soul.

Ruby zoisite promotes flair and individuality whilst keeping you grounded.  The nature of its healing properties encourage you to find freedom instead of being tied to fixed patterns of behaviour. 

For those carrying guilt or negative feelings ruby zoisite can help you better understand yourself.  An ideal crystal for meditation, it creates deep meaningful experiences and can bring you into contact with your spirit guide.

Ruby zoisite creates spontaneous joy and laughter and rekindles an enthusiasm for life.

The meaning and properties of ruby zoisite are entwined with the desire to be free.  This stone helps you to distance yourself from the materialistic lifestyle that often brings more misery than happiness. 

Article Pictures

The ruby zoisite in the picture at the top of our article is on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C. Photo by Stone Mania.

The second picture is courtesy of Stan Celestian.  Both are clickable and redirect to the original images.

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