Iolite (Cordierite)

Item Description

Cordierite is probably most well known for it's purple/blue variety called Iolite. 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 particular gem is from the Tanzanian gem fields, where some of the nicest Iolites are coming out today. The stone is a slightly included "cushion brilliant" cut gem, and it does show very good pleochroism when it's viewed from different angles. The most important aspect of this stone is the fact that it weighs over 9 carats, which is rather large for Iolite, as 5 carats it typically considered big for the material. Priced at $942.00 retail.