Zoisite with Hornblende

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs), Color: Mottled forest green with black inclusions, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal structure: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Perfect basal

Formed under regional metamorphism of igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks. Often found in medium to high-grade metamorphic rocks such as amphibolites or schists.

Primarily used as a decorative stone, in lapidary work for cabochons and carvings, and as a low-cost gemstone for jewelry.

While famously known as the green matrix for Tanzanian Ruby-in-Zoisite (Anyolite), zoisite occurs widely in green forms with black hornblende needles without ruby.

The location (near Moscow, Russia) is primarily a sedimentary basin; finding a high-grade metamorphic zoisite here suggests it may be a 'glacial erratic' transported from the Kola Peninsula or Ural Mountains, or a polished landscaping stone.