Iolite

Iolite gemstone, also named iolit, iolita, or cordierite stone.

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Iolita

Iolite or cordierite is a magnesium iron aluminium cyclosilicate. Iron is almost always present and a solid solution exists between Mg rich cordierite and Fe rich sekaninaite with a series formula: (Mg,Fe)2Al3(Si5AlO18) to (Fe,Mg)2Al3(Si5AlO18).

A high temperature polymorph exists, indialite, which is isostructural with beryl and has a random distribution of Al in the (Si,Al)6O18 rings.

Occurrence

Iolite gemstone, also named iolit, iolita, or cordierite stone typically occurs in contact or regional metamorphism of pelitic rocks. It is especially common in hornfels produced by contact metamorphism of pelitic rocks.

Two common metamorphic mineral assemblages include sillimanite cordierite spinel and cordierite spinel plagioclase orthopyroxene.

Other associated minerals include garnet, cordierite garnet sillimanite gneisses, and anthophyllite. Cordierite also occurs in some granites, pegmatites, and norites in gabbroic magmas. Alteration products include mica, chlorite, and talc.

Gem variety

The transparent variety of iolite stone is often used as a gemstone. The name comes from the Greek word for violet. Another old name is dichroite, a Greek word meaning two colored rock, a reference to cordierite’s strong pleochroism.

It has also been called water sapphire and vikings compass, because of its usefulness in determining the direction of the sun on overcast days, the vikings having used it for this purpose. This works by determining the direction of polarization of the sky overhead.

Light scattered by air molecules is polarized, and the direction of the polarization is at right angles to a line to the sun, even when the sun’s disk itself is obscured by dense fog or lies just below the horizon.

Gem quality varies in color from sapphire blue to blue violet to yellowish gray to light blue as the light angle changes. Sometimes used as an inexpensive substitute for sapphire.

It is much softer than sapphires and is abundantly found in Australia, Northern Territory, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Yellowknife area of the Northwest Territories, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States, Connecticut. The largest crystal found weighed more than 24,000 carats, and was discovered in Wyoming, US.

Iolite meaning and properties

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

Indigo Iolit stone combines the intuition of the violet ray with the trust of the pure blue ray. It brings wisdom, truth, dignity and spiritual mastery. A stone of judgment and long life, it promotes introspection and can result in profound wisdom when used well.

FAQ

Is Iolite rare?

Fine stones over 5 carats are rare. the stone falls at 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, but given that it has distinct cleavage in one direction, its toughness is only fair.

What is iolite good for?

iolita is a vision stone. It clears thought forms, opening intuition. Aids in understanding and releasing the causes of addiction. Helps you to express your true self, free from the expectations of others.

Is Iolite a sapphire?

No. It is a variety of the mineral cordierite, sometimes wrongly nemed “water sapphire” in its deep blue sapphire color. Like sapphire and tanzanite, its fellow blue gemstones, pleochroic meaning it transmits light differently when viewed from different directions.

Is Iolite expensive?

The best quality of fine blue violet stones range as $20 to $150 per carat depending on the color, cut and size.

Blue or purple Iolite?

Most of the stones are in between the 2 colors. Sometimes more purple and sometimes more blue.

Which chakra is iolite good for?

Iolit resonates with the third eye chakra. This stone carries great third eye energies, which is why it’s often used to access higher guidance and strengthen your intuition.

Where is raw iolite found?

It is found in Australia (Northern Territory), Brazil, Burma, Canada (Yellowknife area of the Northwest Territories), India, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States (Connecticut).

Is Iolite a birthstone?

Iolita which is indigo in color is one of the natural birthstones of those born in midwinter (January 20 – February 18).

What are tumbled iolite stones used for?

Tumbled stones are used as energy stones in alternative medicine. They are also used as healing crystals and as chakra stones. Tumbled stones are often used and placed on different chakra points to relieve different physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual discomforts.

Natural iolite for sale in our gem shop

We make custom made iolite jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.