The facts
What green Zoisite actually is
Mineralogically, green Zoisite is zoisite — Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) with Cr, crystallising in the orthorhombic (massive aggregate) system.
The colour is caused by chromium colours both the green zoisite and the red ruby — one element, two colours; the black is a hornblende-group amphibole. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.690–1.700 (spot ~1.70), and the specific gravity sits near 3.20–3.40; cleavage is not seen in the aggregate.
Where green Zoisite comes from
The recognised sources are Longido, Arusha, Tanzania and Mundarara, Tanzania.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How green Zoisite is treated
Generally untreated; some carvings are dyed to brighten the red. The ruby inclusions are genuine corundum but are opaque and of no faceting value, so anyolite is priced as an ornamental rock, not as ruby.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What green Zoisite is confused with
The usual confusions are Tanzanite (same species, different variety), Ruby-in-fuchsite, Unakite and Dyed rock.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.690–1.700 (spot ~1.70) and specific gravity 3.20–3.40 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What green Zoisite is used for
Green Zoisite is bought by carving and sculpture, decorative objects, architecture and interiors, mineral collecting and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the block, by the piece or by the square metre.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage not seen in the aggregate. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What green Zoisite costs
Indicative pricing for green Zoisite is $0.50–10/ct; sculptures priced by workmanship.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is green Zoisite treated, and how?
Generally untreated; some carvings are dyed to brighten the red. The ruby inclusions are genuine corundum but are opaque and of no faceting value, so anyolite is priced as an ornamental rock, not as ruby.
Where does green Zoisite come from?
Longido, Arusha, Tanzania and Mundarara, Tanzania. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is green Zoisite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does green Zoisite cost?
Indicatively $0.50–10/ct; sculptures priced by workmanship. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is green Zoisite confused with?
Most often Tanzanite (same species, different variety), Ruby-in-fuchsite, Unakite and Dyed rock. A refractive index of 1.690–1.700 (spot ~1.70) and a specific gravity near 3.20–3.40 separate it quickly.
What is green Zoisite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects, architecture and interiors and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for green zoisite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about green zoisite