Zoisite

Zoisite, first known as saualpite, after its type locality hydroxy belonging to the epidote. Its chemical formula O ).

Zoisite occurs as prismatic (2/m 2/m 2/m) crystals or in massive form, being found in metamorphic rock. Zoisite may be blue to violet, green, brown, pink, yellow, gray, or colorless. Blue crystals are known under the name tanzanite. It has a vitreous luster. When euhedral, zoisite crystals are striated parallel to the principal axis (c-axis). Also parallel to the principal axis is one direction of perfect cleavage. The mineral is between 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale ranges from 3.10 to 3.38, depending on the variety. It streaks white and is said to be brittle. Clinozoisite is a more common monoclinic of Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH). Transparent material is fashioned into gemstones while translucent-to-opaque material is usually carved.

The mineral was described by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1805. He named it after the Carniolan naturalist Sigmund Zois in Carinthia Zois realized that this was an unknown mineral when it was brought to him by a mineral dealer, presumed to be Simon Prešern, in 1797.

Sources of zoisite include Tanzania), Kenya (thulite, Pakistan.