Ruby Zoisite (pronounced as zouwh·uh·siite) is an opaque gemstone that occurs in a wide variety of shades, such as pink, green, red, and greenish-pink. Ruby zoisite gemstone, also known as anyolite, was first discovered in the mid-1900s, and it took the world of gemstone jewelry by storm as it gradually became popular. There are many famous appearances of celebs wearing ruby zoisite, for instance, you can look at the cushion-cut ruby zoisite ring that Beyonce wore after she gave birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy. Although the ruby zoisite stone is mined in many different places, it occurs at these places in small amounts, which is why it is quite rare. So, if you have a taste for rare sterling silver jewelry, you can buy ruby zoisite jewelry crafted in pure 925 sterling silver – ensure that the ruby zoisite set in these rings is cut in cabochons because this stone looks the best in cabochon cuts.
Do you wish to know more about ruby zoisite? Do you want to know what ruby zoisite is, and what are the factors that you need to be aware of as you buy a ruby zoisite ring? We will talk about everything about ruby zoisite in this blog, let us begin with discussing what ruby zoisite is.
What is Ruby Zoisite?
Ruby Zoisite is a silicate that is rich in calcium and aluminum, with its chemical formula being Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH). Essentially, ruby zoisite or anyolite is a type of epidote that has a monoclinic crystal structure. Talking about the Moh’s scale of mineral hardness, ruby zoisite gemstone ranks between six and seven, and because of its high Moh’s rating, we can assure you that this stone is not prone to breaking. Although ruby zoisite is opaque, it shows a glass-like or vitreous luster when polished into cabochons. As you look at ruby zoisite stones, you will find that they are bi-colored stones, and their shades range from red and pink on green to dark green background, with beautiful white streaks. Sometimes, ruby zoisite also has black inclusions, and this is why it is also known as Tanganyika art stone.
Mineralogically, ruby zoisite is composed of more than just one mineral – it is composed of ruby stone, green zoisite, and deep green to black pargasite. This is why you can claim that looking at the technicality of things, ruby zoisite (anyolite) should not be classified as a zoisite variety, but still, in the world of gemology, it is believed to be a zoisite variety.
Origin of Ruby Zoisite
You might be surprised to know that the name anyolite came from the word “anyoli”, which can be roughly translated to “green” in the Masai language. Apart from anyolite, ruby zoisite is also known as ruby in zoisite. Ruby zoisite stone was first discovered in Tanzania in the year 1949 at the base of Kilimanjaro hills which is situated near the Longido mining district. At that time, Tob Belvins and another gemologist discovered ruby zoisite that they prospected in a new vein. This deposit was among the largest deposits of ruby at that time which was enclosed inside the zoisite mineral. At that time, only one mine located in Tanzania was known to have ruby zoisite deposits, but with time, other small mines were discovered in Australia, Kenya, and Scotland.
Factors You Need to Consider as You Purchase a Ruby Zoisite Ring
The value of a ruby zoisite ring depends on many factors such as the base metal (like 925 sterling silver, gold, platinum, etc.) used in making that ring, the cut and color of the stone, the stone’s clarity, the carat weight of the stone, and last but not least, treatments that the stone might have undergone. Let us discuss these factors one by one, starting with the color of the stone that is set inside ruby zoisite jewelry.
Color of Stone Set in a Ruby Zoisite Ring
One of the most important factors in determining the value of a ruby zoisite stone set in a ruby zoisite ring is the stone’s color. The highest valued stones are the ones that display the rich reds and pinks of the ruby along with lush green tones of zoisite mineral. When we speak of color, we also need to inform you that the patterns, the distribution of color, and the intensity of the shade also play a crucial role as you determine the stone’s value. Talking about tips on choosing the stone, you need to look for the stone with the most balanced colors.
Also, ensure that the greenish-brown and brown tones of zoisite are muted, because the brown color in zoisite lowers its value. Another thing that you need to note is, that the green zoisite portion of a ruby zoisite specimen can possess black lines of hornblende, so be wary of them – black inclusions don’t look good on the stone and this is why they lower the stone’s value. Choose a stone with higher amounts of ruby and a unique pattern in zoisite when you purchase a ruby zoisite ring.
Cut of the Stone Set in a Ruby Zoisite Ring
Speaking of the cut of the stone, ruby zoisite is always cut in cabochons and it's never faceted because it never shows brilliance – after all, ruby zoisite is an opaque stone. Generally, smooth rounded cabochons bring out the texture and patterns of the ruby zoisite stone quite magnificently, and that is why, ruby zoisite rings feature stones in cabochon cuts. Apart from stones that are cut in cabochons for jewelry purposes, you can also find beads, tumbled stones, and carvings that are made of anyolite – at times, anyolite carvings might even be faceted.
Clarity of the Stone Set in a Ruby Zoisite Ring
When we speak of clarity in a ruby zoisite specimen, we mean the presence of internal or external flaws in the stone, like inclusions in the stone or blemishes on the surface of the stone. Talking about anyolite, clarity is of great importance because these internal and external flaws can reduce the value of the stone – this is why the fewer the flaws, the better the stone becomes. The common inclusions in ruby zoisite are quartz, diopside, and sphene, so, while buying a ruby zoisite ring, ensure that the least amount of inclusions are present. Also, ensure that the stone does not have black or brown blemishes – these blemishes lower the value of the stone.
Carat Weight of the Stone in a Ruby Zoisite Ring
Typically, most of the ruby zoisite gems that you find in the market will be under five carats in weight. The higher the weight of the stone, the more its price becomes. Also, ruby zoisite stones with greater weight are rare, and this rarity is also a contributing factor to its increase in price. However, you need to keep one thing in mind – other factors like color, clarity, and the hard work of the lapidary in bringing out the beautiful texture of the stone also count when you determine a stone’s value set in a ruby zoisite ring. Meaning that a smaller stone that has better color and clarity can be far more valuable than a larger stone that is of lower quality.
Conclusion
We began with what ruby zoisite is, then we discussed the origin of this stone, and finally, we discussed the factors on which the value of a ruby zoisite stone set in a ring (or any other jewelry) depends. Now that you have read the entire blog, it is time for you to decide whether you would like to purchase ruby zoisite jewelry and other gemstone jewelry at wholesale rates.
Introducing you to India’s highly esteemed wholesale gemstone jewelry supplier, Rananjay Exports – we deal in ruby zoisite jewelry (like rings, bracelets, pendants, etc.) as well as other types of jewelry like designer jewelry, casting jewelry, and handmade jewelry. As you browse through Rananjay’s inventory, you will find a huge collection of 925 sterling silver jewelry, some of the prominent collections being birthstone jewelry and zodiac sign jewelry. Purchase your favorite ruby zoisite bracelets, pendants, and rings from Rananjay Exports at wholesale rates and get an altogether different and new jewelry collection to impress your customers with.
