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Gem Profile- Iolite

by Judy Ellis
Iolite comes from the Greek "ios" for "violet", meaning violet stone, and is also found labeled as "water sapphire." Iolite is gem-grade cordierite, which is found all over the world. Corderite was found in 1813, and was named after a French geologist, Louis Cordier.
Cordierite often appears with garnet, kyanite, andalusite, and other gem minerals.

Iolite is pleochroic. It shows different colors at different angles, especially under polarized light.

A well-cut iolite displays beautiful blue through the top.

From other angles, it may appear violet, yellow, or colorless.

This photo shows deep blue and violet in the same gemstone. Property of Didier Descouens.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Iolite - , General Education, , Cordierite
Iolite consists of magnesium, aluminum, and silicon (magnesium aluminum silicate).

It sometimes includes iron.

Iolite rates 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it tough.

Sources like AGTA advise avoiding high-traffic zones to prevent bumps.

Best for pendants and earrings, not bracelets or rings.

Iolite occurs in Brazil, Burma, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa.

Wyoming holds a large deposit discovered by geologist Dan Hausel at the University of Wyoming.

He estimates over a trillion carats, plus gems over 24,000 carats each. This may be the world's largest colored-gem deposit.

Connie Drake wrapped these delicate iolite briolette beads into pendants with 22-gauge gold-filled wire.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Iolite - , General Education, , Iolite Bead Pendant
Vikings reportedly mined iolite in Norway and Greenland.

It may be the Viking Compass or Sunstone. This stone helped locate the sun through fog, revealing hidden rocks and shorelines.

Legend says Vikings used a gem to navigate frigid, foggy northern waters. Iolite guides lost sailors and marks the 21st wedding anniversary.

Sapphire and tanzanite are more popular blue-violet stones. Iolite costs similar or much less.

Clean iolite with warm soapy water and a toothbrush.
Resources & Recommended Reading

YourGemologist.com

MinDat.org

Iolite on AGTA.org

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