Zoisite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameZoisite
Chemical FormulaCa₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.15
Colorsgray, greenish-gray
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityAlchuri (Alchori; Aschudi), Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Baltistan, Pakistan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescollector, gemstone
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, garnet, mica
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image shows a prismatic, translucent crystal of Zoisite, displaying a grayish-green color with visible striations along its length and a somewhat blocky termination.
Geological Context
Zoisite typically forms in regionally metamorphosed rocks like schists and gneisses, and can also be found in hydrothermally altered igneous rocks and contact metamorphic zones.
