Iolite

Properties

Iolite has been given its fine name after the Greek word "ios", which means violet. The iolite has a special color change that changes depending on the angle from which the gemstone is viewed. At different angles it shows shades of blue, violet, gray and even a gray-yellow tone will appear. I find this color change almost magical and incredibly beautiful. Read on if you want to know more about the beautiful iolite! ♡ Shiri

Brollup day

Iolite is traditionally given on the 21st wedding day. A piece of jewellery set with the delicate iolite will be a very nice gift for your loved one on that special day. Let this beautiful gemstone captivate the recipient with its attractive color.

Spirituality

The spiritual qualities of iolite include: Independence, intuition, assertiveness and clear vision. The beautiful iolite is believed to be able to help the wearer free himself from others, which makes it particularly good when you have to stand on your own two feet. This violet gemstone is also said to boost confidence and help clear the mind. Iolite is also associated with creative expression.

History

The Vikings were supposed to have used the iolite as a navigation tool when they sailed across the seas. Looking through thin slices of the violet gemstone helped them determine the position of the sun when it was hidden in cloudy weather. Although the Vikings' use of iolite has not been proven, the gemstone has nevertheless been nicknamed the "Viking Compass".

Gemology

Iolite is a gemstone of the mineral cordierite and consists of magnesium, iron, aluminum and cyclosilicate. The iolite shows pleochroism, which means that the gemstone will vary in color depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Therefore, the iolite can show shades of blue-violet, blue-grey and from certain angles a yellow-grey color will appear. Iolite is categorized at 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and can be found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Tanzania, Greenland, Norway and Finland.