Ordering of V2+, Mn2+, and Fe3+ Ions in Zoisite, Ca2Al3Si3O12(OH)

The presence of very small amounts of Mn(2+), V(2+), and Fe(3+) ions in zoisite can be easily detected by the electron paramagnetic resonance technique at room temperature. The Mn(2+) and Fe(3+) ions are completely ordered and are probably located in the Ca(1)- and Al(II)-sites, respectively, whereas the V(2+) ions probably occupy both Ca(1)- and Ca(2)-sites, with a preference for the Ca(1)-site.