GEM OF THE THIRD-EYE
IOLITE
Iolite Origin & Physical Properties
Iolite is the name for the gem quality variety of Cordierite. Iolite is a highly pleochroic gemstone, meaning its color will change depending on the direction it is viewed. As light enters the gemstone, it is bent and divided, following different pathways through the gem.
Iolite is a magnesium iron aluminum cyclosilicate. Iolite comes from the Greek word for violet. The pleochroism of Iolite causes it to exhibit colors ranging from a sapphire blue or blue violet from one angle to a yellowish gray to light blue from a side angle. Well cut gems are cut to show off its deep violet-blue color tones from face on, with the side view showing the secondary yellowish-gray colors.
Quality Iolite rough is found in the Northern Territory of Australia, Brazil, Burma, India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar, as well as in several localities in the U.S.A. Most gem qualtity Iolite comes from placer deposits, meanings it occurs with other gemstones. Iolite has a hardness of 7 to 7 1/2 which makes it sufficiently durable to be used in all forms of jewelry including rings. As gems become larger in carat size, their prices increase exponentially.
Category |
Properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition |
(Mg,Fe)2Al4Si5O18 |
| Mohs Hardness | 7–7.5 |
| Luster | Greasy or Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 2.57 - 2.66 |
| Refractive Index | 1.542 to 1.578 |
| Fluorescence | None |
| Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
| Diaphaneity |
Transparent to translucent |
| Color |
Blue, smoky blue, bluish violet; greenish, yellowish |
| Origin |
India, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Myanmar, Namibia, Sri Lanka |
| Chakra |
Third-Eye (6th) |
| Zodiac |
Libra, Sagittarius, Taurus |
| Element | Water |
| Metaphysical Effects | Inner vision, understanding, positivity, intuition |
Iolite Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Iolite is a gemstone which is synonymous with the third-eye chakra, known throughout the metaphysical world for its mystical shape-shifting properties. The color of the midnight sky, its deep mysteries will take you through a magical journey. Enhance psychic and intuitive abilities, tap into creative visions and access the magic that Iolite has to share.
Think of the mysterious wonder of a dark night with a star-filled sky that stretches across the horizon and the liberating expansion of our mysterious universe. This is the vibration of Iolite.
Iolite is a gemstone born of dreams and visions. Explore your deepest dreams and confront your darkest fears, only to come out on the other side with a clear intention of how to move forward. Iolite can help you to communicate with your higher self, connect with the deeper truths of your purpose on this planet. Just as it guided ancient seafarers to find the location of the sun, Iolite can guide you on your journey through the dark nights of the soul.
Iolite History & Mythology
According to legends and myths, Iolite was used by ancient seafarers, including the Vikings, as a compass stone. On a cloudy day lost at sea, Iolite could filter light with its natural pleochroic properties to track the location of the sun and find the cardinal directions. It’s thought that Vikings discovered Iolite in various deposits in Norway.
Iolite rose to popularity in 18th century Europe where it was used in elaborate designs as a replacement for the more expensive and rare Sapphire. It wasn’t officially named until last century and was commonly called “water sapphire”, because when viewed from a certain direction it had the clarity and luminescence of water.