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Iolite

A species of Cordierite, Also known as Cordierite, Bloodshot Iolite

Iolite is a blue to violet silicate mineral found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Generally, the material has little commercial use. Synthetic iolite is used for making ceramic parts used in catalytic converters. The clear variety is called iolite, and it's cut as a gem and used in the jewelry industry.

Semi-precious gemstone

Hardness:

7 - 7.5

Density:

2.58 - 2.66 g/cm³

General Info About Iolite

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Physical Properties of Iolite

Luster

Greasy, Vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Blue to blue–violet

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Good

Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven

Streak

White

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hardness

7 - 7.5 , Extremely hard

Density

2.58 - 2.66 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Iolite

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Silica (SiO2) Content

49.46 %-50.2 %

Formula

(Mg,Fe)₂Al₃(AlSi₅O₁₈)

Elements listed

Al, Fe, Mg, O, Si

Optical Properties of Iolite

Refractive Index

1.542-1.578

Birefringence

0.008-0.012

Pleochroism

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish, pale blue, violet-blue

Dispersion

0.017

Optical Character

Biaxial positive or negative

Discover the Value of Iolite

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Rarity

Rare

Collection Recommendation

4.2 out of 5

Popularity

3.7

Aesthetic

4.3

Rarity

4.3

Sci-Cultural Value

The Market Price of Iolite

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Rough/Tumbled Price

Fixed Price

$0.2 - $1 g

Gemstone Price

Price

$5 ~ $50 /ct

How to Care for Iolite?

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Durability

Durable

Scratch resistance

Good

Toughness of Iolite

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Iolite has fair toughness, making it somewhat suitable for daily wear. Its structure may present cleavage planes that can lead to chipping or cracking if subjected to sharp blows or rough handling.

Stability of Iolite

Sensitive

Stable

Iolite resists water, sunlight, and dry conditions well and can be cleaned of stains. However, it should avoid high heat and harsh chemicals.

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Characteristics of Iolite

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Cultural Significance of Iolite

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Uses of Iolite

The most transparent and inclusion-free specimens of iolite are used in the gem industry, as this hard mineral can be cut into faceted gemstones for use in necklaces, rings, and other decorative jewelry in a similar way to Sapphire. While some of these gems are quite breathtaking, they may not be as popular because many samples are hard to cut well; the stone appears differently colored from different angles.

Healing Properties of Iolite

Disorders of the liver are said to be healed by iolite, and the belief is that the stone diminishes sleep problems. Iolite may alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism and stomach acidity. Its supposed connection with the third eye chakra means it serves to magnify motivation and increase willpower. It's also said to aid the removal of harmful habits.

Chakras

Third Eye