Nat Zoisite

Nat Zoisite From Tanzania 1.15 CT 

Natural zoisite from Tanzania refers to one of the most remarkable gemstone discoveries of the 20th century. While zoisite itself is a mineral, Tanzania is the exclusive source for several famous gem varieties—most notably Tanzanite and Anyolite (Ruby in Zoisite). 

1. Tanzanite (Blue-Violet Zoisite)

• What it is: The world-famous, blue-to-violet crystallized variety of zoisite, named by Tiffany & Co. in 1968. 
• Rarity: It is found exclusively in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is estimated to be up to 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. 
• Pleochroism: Natural tanzanite naturally shifts in color when viewed from different angles, exhibiting flashes of intense blue, violet, and deep burgundy. 
• Treatments: While you can find unheated, naturally colored crystals (often showing green and violet combinations), the iconic deep sapphire-blue color is typically achieved through mild heat treatment. 
• Price: Prices widely range based on clarity, size, and treatment, starting from around $150 per carat for smaller commercial stones up to $5,000+ for large, eye-clean, and untreated specimens. 

2. Ruby in Zoisite (Anyolite)

• What it is: A completely different, opaque, and highly decorative rock formed by a vivid green zoisite matrix speckled with distinct, crystallized red ruby inclusions. 
• Uses: Because of its contrasting striking colors, it is rarely faceted into transparent gems; instead, it is highly prized for carving into ornamental objects, beads, and cabochons. 
• Price: It is a much more accessible and affordable material, commonly used in jewelry wire-wrapping and holistic practices. 

Where to Shop

• Certificates: If you are buying high-end tanzanite, always request authoritative certification from labs like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).