Click Here To Buy Now!

Iolite

Legends & Lore
 

	The name Iolite comes from the Greek word “Ios” which means violet.
	Legend has it that the Vikings used thin pieces of Iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an Iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun on overcast days and navigate their boats safely. Hence Iolite is also know as the “Viking’s Compass”.
	Known as the gemstone of clear vision, when worn as an amulet Iolite was believed to have the power to guide lost sailors to the brilliance of the sun in order to find their way home.

Iolite is a transparent, violet-blue, light blue or yellow-gray gemstone. A pleochroic gem, Iolite will show many colors in a single piece.
 

Iolite is a popular and interesting gemstone. It has a pretty violet blue color that is unlike other gemstones, although it has been compared to a light blue sapphire. It is for this reason that it is sometimes known as "Water Sapphire".
 

Although the color is attractive it is not extremely rare, and is therefore quite affordable, making Iolite Jewelry increasingly popular in recent times. While an Iolite necklace or Iolite earrings are probably the best ways to showcase this gem's unique color, Iolite rings are also desirable, as it is a durable gem with a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale.
 

Pleochroism is very pronounced in Iolite and is seen as three different color shades in the same gem. In viewing an Iolite, the colors violet blue, yellow gray and a light blue can be seen. It is therefore very important to look at an Iolite from several directions before you purchase because the gem will present very different colors from different angles. If cut properly, the gem will show its best blue color through the top or table of the gem but when viewed from another angle the gem may appear colorless.