In the huge world of gems and crystals, there often can be two stones that look somewhat similar to each other. One of the most common occurrences of this crystal faux pas is identifying Ruby in Fuchsite as Ruby in Zoisite and vice versa.
The mineral name may be misidentified and passed on to vendors, sellers and buyers, who in turn pass it on, who in turn pass it on and on and on it goes. Many times, this is a totally innocent mistake or miscommunication and even language barrier issue. This quick reference has been written to help break down the particulars so that you can become informed and educated in recognizing the subtle differences on sight.
First of all, there are commonalities, which can very well lend to the confusion. Both are green, both have sparkle, both are members of the silicate class. Both have Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide in their chemical equations, but this is where the commonalities end.
Ruby in (Included) Zoisite
Ruby in Zoisite is usually a darker, more brilliant green infused with medium grade rubies and dark, black hornblende inclusions. Due to its hardness, it is quite popular to use for ornamental stone carvings. Most Ruby in Zoisite specimens will display three colors — green, black and red. Zoisite specimens are typically granular and tend to appear almost “sugary” in most rough. The black amphibole commonly manifests as speckles.
Ruby-Zoisite was first discovered in 1954 in Tanzania and even today, Tanzania is the only place that has this lovely stone. Ruby in Zoisite is also called “Anyolite” which is derived from the word for “green” in the native language of the Massai.
Ruby in Zoisite is part of a larger Zoisite family, which includes Tanzanite and Thulite.
Chemistry: Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH), Calcium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide
Mineral Class: Silicates
Group: The only orthorhombic member of the Epidote Group
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 with ruby 9
Ruby in (included in) Fuchsite
Ruby in Fuchsite is a pale to dark green variety of Muscovite (colored by chromium impurities) with medium to low grade ruby inclusions. Many times Ruby in Fuchsite can also be found as large, dark red rubies surrounded by deep emerald green Fuchsite with a beautiful sparkly shine (if the crystals are very small).
Most Ruby in Fuchsite specimens will display four colors–green (fuchsite), red (rubies), blue (kyanite) and cream to white (quartzite).
Fuchsite specimens are often found in compact masses with small crystals and can be quite flaky due to its soft nature. Ruby Fuchsite can be identified by its green color, mica sparkles and creamy white quartzite matrix. Many times you may see a creamy “orb” around the ruby area. Ruby in Fuchsite comes from India as well as a variety of worldwide locations.
Chemistry: KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F, OH)2, Potassium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride
Mineral Class: Silicates
Group: Var. Muscovite of the Mica Group
Hardness: 2-3
Summary
Remember, many times the folks selling this material to you, may have themselves, been given inaccurate information and had no idea.
A story to bring the point home 🙂 When I first began selling many years ago, I was sold a beautiful blue green obsidian. I was told it was Hawaiian Blue Green Obsidian. I sold it like hotcakes–it was SO beautiful. I admit my knowledge of stones at the time was very limited, so I simply passed on the name I was given.
What I found out later was that this lovely “Hawaiian Blue Green Obsidian” was colored glass and named by a local crystal shop because the vendor who sold it to her was from Hawaii and they do have volcanoes there. The glass was blue green and Obsidian is technically a type of volcanic glass, right? So you get the idea. Sometimes, it is just an innocent mistake.
So, stay informed. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The more we, as buyers and collectors are educated, the more these pieces will be researched and correctly identified.
with love and crystal blessings,
Kristi Hugs
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