The stone is dug along the hills of Mvurwi on the great dyke, a 500km volcanic ridge of 2.5 billion year old hills. Some 200 colours have been geologically catalogued, with the hardness ranging from soapstone (1 out of 10 on the geological hardness scale) serpentine and springstone (harder stones) ranges from 2.0 to 5.5.
The rocks on these hills are interlaced with copper, chrome, platinum, gold, emeralds and other precious metals.

The properties of these stone from Zimbabwe make them ideal for outdoor sculptures.

For buying rawstones send e-mail to info@tapiwavisions.com or fill out online form on contact page.



The stone Black Iron Serpentine is one of the hardest and darkest stones found in Zimbabwe. Black Iron Serpentine gets its name because of the deposits of iron found in it. The stone is capable of the most amazing finish that shines a black lustre resembling the black opal.
Rated at 4.0-5.0 on the universally used Mohs hardness scale, Serpentine's remarkable hardness guarantees its durability and because of its fine finish, is highly sought after.



Sandstone refers to a sedimentary rock which is usually almost all quartz. Southern African sandstone, however, has large amounts of petrified clay deposits. Southern African sandstone can also be refered to as Petrified River Clay. The grains of quartz in sandstone cement the clay deposits together to form a beautiful earthtone stone making it very durable. Local artists in Zimbabwe refer to sandstone as "Africa's Red Jasper" because of its shiny red finish.
Depending on the amount of iron deposits and quartz inclusions, Red Sandstone rates between a - 4.0-4.5 on the universally used Mohs hardness scale.



Serpentine stone boasts an array of colors that cannot be described. No one stone is alike. The reason for this is the many mineral inclusions within the stone giving its unique color variation. The name "Serpentine" comes from an association with the characteristics of a serpents skin. Serpentine is the most commonly used stone because of the varying hardness for both master sculptors, as well as his apprentice.Serpentine rates between 2.5 to 5.5, depending on mineral inclusions, on the universally used Mohs hardness scale,
a diamond rates at 10.



Steatite is a natural soft stone that falls under the general catagory of soapstone. Also commonly referred to as Rapoka stone in Zimbabwe. It's remarkable qualities have made Steatite one of the most widely used minerals on earth. Over 10 million years old, steatite is a natural mineral prized since ancient times for its durability, workability, beautiful character and ability to retain and radiate heat and resist chemicals. Native cultures, the world over, have carved steatite into vessels, art objects, memorial and cultural items.
Steatite is found on every continent in the world with the possible exception of Antarctica. It has been used by natives people the over world for thousands of years. Carved steatite items have been found in the tombs of Pharos, in the igloos of the far north, in temples and palaces of China and India, in the mountains and river valleys of the Americas and the arid plains of Africa.
Mineral Composition
Talc 40-50%, magnesite 40-50%, penninite 5-8%
Talc makes steatite workable. Magnesite and penninite make it tough and durable.



Serpentine stone boasts an array of colors that cannot be described. No one stone is alike. The reason for this is the many mineral inclusions within the stone giving its unique color variation. The name "Serpentine" comes from an association with the characteristics of a serpents skin. Serpentine is the most commonly used stone because of the varying hardness for both master sculptures, as well as his apprentice. Serpentine is known to contain such minerals as Quartz, Chromium Maganese, copper and Iron. Serpentine rates between 2.5 to 5.5 on the universally used Mohs hardness scale, depending on mineral inclusions. A diamond rates at 10.



Verdite, also known as "Africa's Green Gold", is highly sought after by artists. Only the more experienced sculptor will dare sculpt from this hard stone. Verdite rates between a 7.0-9.0, depending on the amount of Corrundum inclusions, on the universally used Mohs hardness scale.
Verdites color is unique in that it boasts an Emerald looking quality with beautiful brown and green striations.Unfortunately, verdite is fast becoming rare and is difficult to find. Carvings from this stone will become increasingly more valuable.



Opal Stone is unique in that it has fewer color variations than Serpentine. It does however, rate higher on the Mohs hardness scale with a rating between 5.0-5.5. This is comparable with black iron Serpentine. The more semi-precious Opal stone is Black Opal found in Australia as well as Fire Opal found in Mexico rating between 5.5-6.5. Southern African Opal is famous for it's milky light colored greens and smooth texture.



Although Wonderstone does not display color variations like Serpentine and Verdite, it is however the hardest stone found in Southern Africa. Wonderstone is virtually indestructible. Comparable to Verdite without the swirling striations. The only known deposits in the world are in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Wonderstone is found in several shades of red, and dark black. Some are reported to refer to wonderstone as "Africa Stone". It was given its name by the local artists because of Wonderstone's amazing hardness and durability.