Iolite
A species of Cordierite, Also known as Cordierite, Bloodshot Iolite Scientific name : Iolite Mineral : Cordierite
Iolite, A species of Cordierite
Also known as:
Cordierite, Bloodshot Iolite
Scientific name: Iolite
Mineral: Cordierite
Content
Description General Info
Description
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.
Physical Properties
Colors
Violet-blue
Luster
GreasyVitreous
Diaphaneity
TransparentToTranslucent
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
Chemical Properties
Chemical Classification
Silicates
Formula
(Mg,Fe)2Al3(AlSi5O18)
Elements listed
Al, Fe, Mg, O, Si
Silica (SiO2) Content
49.46 %-50.2 %
General Info
Healing Properties
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.
How to Select
Cut plays an important role in enhancing iolite's natural color. Often faceted, the iolite is uncommonly valued when it is over five carats, which improves its transparency. Collectors prefer violet to deep blue color ranges. Cat's-eye inclusions and pleochroism are often treasured as well. Iolite can be differentiated from stones like Kyanite, Tanzanite, and Amethyst by their transparency, hardness, and shade of purple. This stone is not currently considered particularly rare or valuable, so fakes are not generally a problem.
Usage
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.
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