Iolite (Cordierite)

Item Description

Iolite translated from Greek literally means "violet stone". These gems are sometimes known as "Water Sapphire" in various corners of the gem world, but it is truly gem grade Cordierite. Iolite is strongly pleochroic and shows a strong blue color one direction, a violet color another direction, and a yellowish color in the third direction. This gem is from the Tanzania, where some of the nicest Iolites are being mined these days. The stone is very very slightly included with a "round brilliant" cut, and shows a good color change when rotated on its different axis. A very attractive, larger stone for the material.