Tanzanite Zoisite (Anyolite)
“Ruby and zoisite fused together”
Anyolite is a striking metamorphic rock composed of bright green zoisite studded with large ruby (corundum) crystals and accented by black hornblende. This dramatic three-color combination makes it one of the most visually distinctive ornamental stones, found only in a small area of Tanzania.
zoisite (green), corundum/ruby (red), hornblende (black), plagioclase (minor)
Longido district, near Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania — virtually the only known source)
6-9 (varies: zoisite 6-7, ruby 9)
Despite containing rubies, anyolite's corundum crystals are usually too opaque for gem use — but the contrast of red rubies against green zoisite makes the whole rock a work of natural art.
Test Your Knowledge
Why are the ruby crystals in anyolite generally unsuitable as gemstones despite being true corundum?
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Title: Anyolite tanzanite.jpg
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