Our regular publication in the "Stone of the month" column is about February zoisite, which is a complex silicate that contains numerous inclusions of various elements (calcium, aluminum, iron and others). These components provide its original coloring. The stone has no main or primary color. All shades of zoisite directly depend on the conditions under which it was formed. The inclusion of iron makes zoisite green. The inclusion of chromium changes the color of the stone to bluish-green. Vanadium can give the mineral a deep blue color.

Man's acquaintance with this stone began two centuries ago. In 1805, the famous geologist and biologist Sigmund Zeuz von Edelstein from Slovakia explored the Austro-Hungarian mountain ranges. In the Zau-Alpes he came across transparent green crystals. The scientist sent his finding to the Freiberg Mine Training School in Germany. Chemical analysis showed that the sample did not belong to any of the known minerals. In honor of the famous collector, it was named zoisite. The stone was also given the second scientific name - saualpite. The name indicates where these gems were first discovered.

The stone is hydrothermal in origin, i.e. it is formed when plagioclases* are exposed to low temperatures and pressure. The stone can be matt or glassy. It depends on the degree of its transparency. Opaque zoisite is used to create decorative items, and the transparent mineral is popular in jewelry. The mineral is characterized by medium and high brittleness. The Mohs hardness index ranges from 6 to 6.5 units. Zoisite does not dissolve in acids. Zoisite deposits are located all over the world. It is mined in Switzerland, Kenya, Mexico, the USA and Russia. The most valuable specimens are found in Tanzania. When Henry Platt, president of Tiffany's, first saw Tanzanian zoisites, he declared them "the most beautiful gemstone discovered in 2000 years". The firm bought the rights to develop and sell the stone, called tanzanite. In the film In the film Titanic, tanzanite portrayed sapphire. Its color range from light blue to deep blue. Tanzanite is the best known and most expensive of the zoisite crystals.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, this stone is mined mainly in the Urals, Altai, Transbaikalia and the Kemerovo region. There is a deposit of zoisite on the island of Novaya Zemlya.

Some healing properties of zoisite are known in lithotherapy. It is believed that it serves for prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stabilizes blood pressure, helps weather-sensitive people and cures colds. Zoisite relieves nervous tension, improves sleep, reduces the impact of solar flares on a person and allows one to maintain good health regardless of weather conditions.

Another interesting feature of zoisite is the absence of any one particular magical property. Like the shade of the stone, its possibilities are multifaceted and versatile.

Zoisite uncovers in its owner hidden qualities, as well as creativity, improves relations within the family, helps to move upwards through the ranks faster and expand one’s business. Talismans and amulets made of zoisite suite those people whose activities are associated with publicity — actors, performers and dancers.

Due to the mineral varied palette of shades, jewellers and stone cutters make unique jewellery from the mineral varieties. Transparent crystals are used to make fine jewelry, while opaque crystals are mainly used for costume jewelry, amulets and talismans. Large opaque stones are best suited for vases, statuettes and sculptures.

We offer a close look at the items made of zoisite that are presented in the museum Collection exposition.

On the cover: A frog prince riding a snail. Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. The 20^th century

The composition belongs to the so-called series of fantastic items created by the master. The frog and snail are carved from a single piece of rich red ruby in zoisite.

Chimp on Flying Snail. Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. The 20^th century

Pair of peacocks. Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. The 20^th century

Frog on toadstool. Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. The 20^th century

Three hummingbirds on a cactus. Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. The 20^th century

Set of tumblers with decanter "Chinese dragon". Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. The 20^th century

Eagle’s head. Manfred Wild. Germany, Idar-Oberstein. The 20^th century

Rooster. Peter Muller. Brazil. The 20^th century

Ref.: https://moikamni.info/vidy/tsoizit
https://samotsvet.ru/enciklopedia/tsoizit-svoystva-i-komu-podkhodit.html
https://sunlight.net/wiki/kamen-tsoizit.html
https://dzen.ru/a/YiZeq_9ByXorTXBF