Often mistaken for more expensive blue gemstones like Sapphire or Tanzanite, Iolite is an affordable yet stunning gem that should be a must-have in every collector's assortment. Its majestic violet-blue tones represent hope and enhance intuition, while the optical effects of Iolite are truly mesmerizing to behold.
Referred to as the compass stone, Iolite is a valuable tool for spiritual navigation and can provide a calming effect during challenging times. Throughout history, Iolite has played a significant role in various cultures as a sunstone and healing stone for mystics and alternative healers.
Iolite can add a touch of elegance to your jewelry collection without causing a dent in your budget. Often referred to as the Water Sapphire, Iolite possesses a multitude of fascinating characteristics that are sure to captivate you.
What is Iolite?
Iolite is a silicate mineral belonging to the cordierite variety, consisting of magnesium, iron, and aluminum chemical elements. In mineralogy, it is known as cordierite, named after the French geologist Pierre Cordier who first researched it.
In gemology, it is traded as Iolite, derived from the Greek words "ios" and "lithos," meaning violet stone. Iolite was also formerly called dichroite, which means two-colored rock in Greek, owing to the pleochroic nature of Iolite gemstones.
Iolite is reasonably durable and scores 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, it is less sturdy than Sapphires, Topaz, and Diamonds. When set in high-impact jewelry such as rings and bracelets, special care should be taken to prevent damage to the stone.
What does Iolite look like?
Iolite is a stunning gemstone that showcases a range of colors from violet-blue to gray, yellow, and even colorless, and is renowned for its vitreous luster. One of the unique features of Iolite is that it is pleochroic, meaning that it displays varying colors when viewed from different angles. For instance, Iolites that appear blue or violet from one angle can showcase a range of colors, such as yellow, gray, colorless, light or dark violet, when viewed from another angle.
The blue hue of Iolite is attributed to the presence of iron in its mineral structure, which gives it a unique and attractive shade. Additionally, the inclusions in Iolite gemstones create fascinating effects such as cat’s-eye or aventurescence, making it even more alluring.
Fine Iolite is highly valued for its natural blue and violet hues, unlike other gemstones such as Blue Topaz, Sapphire, and Tanzanite, which are often artificially treated to enhance their color. Gemologists would love to enhance the gray or colorless Iolite gemstones to produce more brilliant hues, but the mineral's chemistry doesn't allow for it. High temperatures cannot be used to treat Iolite, so it remains in its natural state.
The Value of Iolite
The cost of Neeli gemstone, also known as Iolite stone, is determined by various factors such as its size, quality, and origin. In the United States, the Iolite stone price per carat can range from $4 to $60. However, the actual price may fluctuate in different countries due to variations in the demand and supply cycles.
History and Mythology of Iolite
Iolite, a beautiful gemstone, has a fascinating history that goes back to the Vikings. In ancient times, this gemstone was known as the "Viking's Compass stone," as it aided Viking navigators in locating the sun, which they used to steer their ships. When the sky was cloudy, they used slices of Iolite on glare-reducing polaroid lenses to pinpoint their location accurately.
During the 1700s, Iolite gained popularity as a gemstone and was widely used in jewelry pieces across Europe. It wasn't just prized for its aesthetic beauty but also for its spiritual properties. Spiritual healers across different cultures used Iolite in their rituals and ceremonies, believing it could bring about visions and allow shamans to communicate with the spiritual realm.
In 2004, one of the largest Iolite crystalswas discovered in Grizzly Creek, Wyoming. The crystal weighed an impressive 24,000 carats, making it a record-breaking find that amazed gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.
Iolite’s Meaning and Symbolism
Iolite, also known as the compass stone, is said to act as a guide for the wearer on their voyage of self-discovery. Many individuals keep this gemstone nearby during their slumber in an effort to obtain lucidity regarding their aspirations. It is commonly believed that Iolite aids in unlocking one's creativity and facilitating the realization of their life's purpose. The calming azure tones of Iolite instill optimism within the user and encourage a sense of serenity and repose.
Where does Iolite come from?
Iolite can be located within pelitic rocks extracted from various regions worldwide, including but not limited to India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Namibia. Additionally, Iolite deposits have also been discovered in certain locations in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Australia.
Iolite and Zodiac signs
Individuals whose zodiac signs are Libra, Sagittarius, or Taurus may reap the rewards of using Iolite as their birthstone. The purple-hued crystals are believed to enhance the user's intuition, as well as inspire creativity and the manifestation of vivid dreams. Furthermore, those with an inclination to travel may benefit from utilizing Iolite as a talisman for safekeeping while en route to their desired destination.
Purchase natural Iolite gemstones
For individuals seeking a dependable source to obtain the versatile Iolite stone in the US, Navratan.com provides an excellent option. Our website is committed to providing solely natural Iolite stones.
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