metamorphic

Rough ruby-bearing green zoisite

Ruby (corundum, Al₂O₃) in green zoisite (epidote-group mineral)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically green, granular, and opaque-to-translucent with pink-red ruby patches and black hornblende or tschermakite inclusions; zoisite hardness is 6–7, ruby 9 Mohs. Vitreous to pearly luster, no prominent cleavage, and granular crystalline texture.

Identified September 1, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by regional metamorphism of aluminum-rich, calcium-bearing rocks, commonly in amphibolite-facies conditions; famous deposits are Cenozoic metamorphic bodies in Tanzania, with related material from Kenya and Afghanistan.

Uses & applications

Attractive pieces are cut as ruby-zoisite cabochons, beads, and carvings; rough specimens are chiefly collector material. It has limited construction or industrial use.

Geological facts

The green matrix is zoisite, while the red areas are ruby; the contrasting colors make it a distinctive decorative stone often marketed as ruby zoisite.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by the mottled green matrix and embedded pink-red corundum, confirmed by ruby’s exceptional hardness and possible chromium-related fluorescence; common localities include Longido, Tanzania. The pictured specimen appears rough and matrix-dominant.