large Iolite (Cordierite)

Item Description

Iolite is the purple/blue variety of the mineral Cordierite. Most people never have a reference for Cordierite, but Iolite is certainly well-known among collectors and dealers. The name Iolite translated from Greek literally means "violet stone". These gems are sometimes known as "water Sapphire" in various corners of the gem world. One of the most distinctive attributes of this material is that Iolite is strongly pleochroic, showing a strong blue color one direction, a violet color another direction, and a yellowish color in the third direction. This particular gem is from Brazil and dates back at least 10+ years. It is most definitely one of the largest Iolite gems we've ever had to offer. Now the stone is dark, which is the nature of the material when it gets to be this size, but with good lighting, you can see the blue, purple and yellow colors as the stone is rotated in the light. The stone is slightly included with an "Oval Brilliant" cut. Donated to the Rice Museum by a local donor, for this benefit auction.