Zoisite is a mineral that belongs to the epidote group. It was first discovered in Austria by Sigmund Zois in 1805. This mineral is found in a variety of colors, including green, blue, yellow, brown, and pink. Some common synonyms for zoisite include thulite, saualpite, tanzanite, and anyolite. Thulite is a pink variety of zoisite named after the mythical island of Thule while saualpite is a green variety. Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite that is commonly used in jewelry, while anyolite is a mix of zoisite and ruby, creating a beautiful and unique stone. Zoisite is typically used as a gemstone or in ornamental carvings due to its vivid colors and intricate patterns.