Ruby and Zoisite Green Hand Carved Skull

Zoisite is a crystalline mineral that includes several gem varieties. Zoisite occurs in many colors, including the deep green massive form associated with Ruby, as in the case of this striking hand-carved Skull sculpture by artist Lee Downey, made from a single piece of Ruby-Zoisite. Tanzania (Eastern Africa) is the world’s only source for Ruby-Zoisite.

Zoisite is one of the most colorful ornamental gemstones. As can be seen in this life-sized skull, it provides an earthy green color, while ruby inclusions give it pink and red highlights. Ruby-zoisite can be identified by its distinctive mottled colors and appearance. Rocks composed of green zoisite and large inclusions of red ruby create interesting patterns in the matrix rock.