How to distinguish Zoisite from a fake?

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.

History of zoisite

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.

Types of zoisite

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.

The 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 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.

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.

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.

Interesting facts about zoisite:

The name of the stone “zoisite” is often mispronounced and turned into the more sonorous “cyosite”. This unusual name comes from the name of Baron Tsoiz, a scientist and philanthropist, the discoverer of the mineral. Since the first samples of the mineral were found in the Zau Alps in Austria-Hungary, the gem is also found under the second name “zahualpite”.

This mineral does not have a “main” color. Collected together, its varieties are like a rainbow or a summer meadow. The most expensive was presented to the public by the iconic jewelry house Tiffany. But other stones of this family are also beautiful and useful.

History

The gem is named after Sigmund Zeus von Edelstein. This baron and philanthropist was seriously involved in geology. He collected a collection of five thousand minerals, which, according to his will, went to the National Museum of Slovenia.

In 1805, while exploring the Alps on the territory of his native Austria-Hungary – the Zau Alps, the baron discovered transparent green crystals. And he sent the find to the specialists of the mining school in Freiberg. Laboratory studies have confirmed that this is a mineral unknown to science. It was entered into the registers under the name of the discoverer – as zoisite.

Zoisite stone is also known by other names:

• Zahualpit – by the name of the area where it was found.
• Saussureite – in honor of the Swiss scientist Horace Benedict Saussure. He found the stone in the Swiss Alps.
• Thulite – according to the place of discovery (the territory of the state of the ancient Scandinavians Tul).

Zoisite inspired the artist Pablo Picasso, and a new direction in art appeared – cubism.

The origin of the stone is hydrothermal: it is the result of exposure of plagioclase to high pressure and low temperatures.

Place of Birth

Zoisite is found on all continents:

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• tanzanite – Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia;
• anionite – Tanzania;
• Thulite – Bulgaria, Norway.

Rich deposits are located in the USA, Switzerland, and Denmark. Addresses of Russian deposits: Ural, Altai, Transbaikalia.

Zoisites of absolute transparency are mined only in Africa.

Physico-chemical characteristics

According to the chemical classification, the mineral zoisite is a silicate with impurities. The formula is complex, its basic components are aluminum, calcium, silicon.

Formula	Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
Color	Grey, yellow, blue, pink, green
Line color	White
Brilliance	Glass
Hardness	6 – 6,5
Cleavage	Perfect in one direction
Kink	Uneven
Density	3,15 – 3,36 g / cm³
Syngonia	Rhombic
Refractive index	1,69 – 1,70

Varieties and colors

Impurities that complement the basic composition of the mineral create varieties of color:

• Aniolite. A green-pink stone, essentially a ruby ​​in zoisite. A rare precious variety, hunted by experts. Transparent blue-violet specimens, originally classified as sapphires, were classified as aniolites in the 1960s.
• Saussurite. An opaque mineral with a green tint, it looks almost like jasper. It is a conglomerate of zoisite with plagioclase.
• Tanzanite. The classic is blue zoisite. “Aristocrat”, the most expensive of the zoisite family. The color is created by an admixture of vanadium. Published by the Tiffany jewelry house. Green, pink, purple, and yellow stones have gained popularity. But, for example, a bright yellow crystal is the result of heat treatment (in nature they are brownish).

Tanzanite is presented in the mineralogical classification both as a variety of zoisite and as an independent player.

• Thulite. An inexpensive soft pink stone reminiscent of rhodonite.

The colors of transparent zoisites are gray, yellow, blue, violet-lilac, green. Opaque ones can combine two or three shades.

Where is the stone used?

Areas of application of zoisite – jewelry, decor, collecting:

• Transparent and translucent specimens go to jewelers. They are used in premium jewelry. The most popular are pendants, pendants, beads, and earrings made of zoisite.
• Opaque zoisites become large sculptures, bowls, vases, and small sculptures in the hands of stone carvers.
• The production of costume jewelry in silver or simpler frames has been established.
• They are used to make products of an esoteric assortment: balls, eggs, pyramids, and other amulets or talismans.

Collectors are hunting for interesting combined specimens of zoisites.

How to recognize a fake

Zoisite has status and is expensive; it is not surprising that the stone is counterfeited.

You can spot a fake:

• In natural stone, the spotting is chaotic, but clear.
• If ruby ​​spots are rubbed, scratched or picked, the paint will come off on a fake.
• Natural zoisite is not loudly variegated.
• Glass is lighter than stone and heats up faster in your hands.

Imitation is easier to recognize in a necklace or bracelet. If all the beads have “ruby” inclusions, and the price is not exorbitant, it is a fake.

How to care

Zoisite is fragile, you need to care for it carefully:

1. Protect from falls, impacts, compression, and other mechanical impacts.
2. Remove jewelry with zoisite when starting housework (washing, cooking, cleaning).
3. Temperature changes and high humidity are detrimental to stone.
4. Clean with soapy water or special products.

Arriving home, remove the jewelry, immediately wash off the dirt (sweat residue, dust), and wipe it dry.

You need to wear your body talisman, bracelets, and rings especially carefully.

Price

The price of a stone or jewelry depends on the type, physical condition, and frame material (price/rub.):

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• tanzanite beads – 9 – 800;
• ring (gilded silver, insert 15×7 mm) – 27;
• bracelet (rhodium-plated brass, 3-5 mm) – 2;
• tumbling (zoisite, 20-25 mm) – 360;
• tumbling (thulite, 15-30 mm) – 470 – 580.

On the world market, transparent tanzanite (processed stone) can be bought for $50-500 per carat. The second most valuable is anionite.

Therapeutic effect

Lithotherapists have established the healing properties of zoisite:

• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
• Healing the reproductive system.
• Normalizes blood pressure, relieves headaches.
• Treatment of the pancreas, spleen, liver, bronchi.
• A stone under the pillow makes sleep sounder and longer.
• It is applied to sore joints, spine or head to relieve pain.

People who are weather dependent will feel the special significance of the stone: any product will smooth out the effects of a magnetic storm, pressure drop, and air temperature.

Zoisite stone strengthens the immune system, improves metabolism, calms the nerves, and fights inflammation.

Magical properties

The magical properties of zoisite are used by esotericists and magicians: tanzanite becomes for them a channel to the world of spirits.

Buddhists consider the zoisite-aquamarine combination to be the best for improving the energy state of the body and cleansing karma.

Whether the stone will be the focus of Yin or Yang energy depends on the color and transparency. Thulite, anionite, tanzanite are yin, saussurite is yang.

The tanzanite talisman connects the owner with a guardian angel.

The stone has meaning for a person in everyday life:

• This is an attribute of creative people: it helps to unlock potential, awaken inspiration, and believe in yourself.
• It will add charm to teachers, artists, politicians, and other public figures, help them clearly express their thoughts, and not get lost in front of an audience.
• A figurine of a man made of zoisite is a home and family amulet. There will be no scandals, omissions, or betrayals in the house. The talisman should be placed away from prying eyes.

A special feature of zoisite magic is its slowness. Sometimes it takes months for a stone to recognize its owner. But if he admits it, the changes will amaze in scale and speed.

Zoisite and the Zodiac

The stone has a positive effect on all signs of the Zodiac:

• Aries They will moderate their ambitions and think not only about their loved ones.
• К Gemini will attract the right people, quickly relieve alcohol addiction. Men will find it easier to create a family, ladies will become mothers.
• Aquarius. The stone is suitable only for ladies. They will become more confident, thanks to which they will conquer the heights in any field of activity.
• Cancers They will find peace of mind, and with it their personal life and career will improve.
• It is an activator of all that is good in character. Taurus They will achieve success in their career and personal life.
• Scorpions They will begin to get along with others and will quickly restore their mental balance.
• Pisces The stone will help you reach your goal (including love) without hesitation.
• Capricorns will gain financial independence and refrain from rash actions.
• Scales They will become intuitive and acquire a taste for science. The main significance of the stone is to support the vital balance for them.
• У Dev excess pedantry and aggressiveness will go away. This will have a beneficial effect on business, love, and friendly contacts.
• Lions They will become pragmatists, they will make decisions based on their minds, and not succumbing to emotions.
• Around Sagittarius the stone will create a shield from personal and external negativity. But only if they have unlimited faith in his power.

For the Fire signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), the energy of zoisite should be balanced by the power of rock crystal, rose quartz, tiger/cat’s eye. Otherwise, their dictatorial habits will get out of control.

Conclusion

Zoisite stone is worth buying for many reasons. He is beautiful and magically powerful. The variety of colors, shades, and deposits encourages you to start collecting a personal collection.

Just don’t call the stone cyosite: it’s euphonious, but wrong.