 Iolite
has different colors in different directions in the crystal.
A cube cut from iolite will look a violetish blue almost like
sapphire from one side, clear as water from the other, and a
honey yellow from the top. This property led some people to
call iolite "water sapphire" in the past, a name that
is now obsolete.
Pleochroism may have been helpful in navigation but it makes
things difficult for a gem cutter. If iolite is not cut from
exactly the right direction, no matter the shape of the rough,
its color will not show to its best advantage.
Iolite is usually a purplish blue when cut properly, with
a softness to the color that can be quite attractive.
Iolite is readily available and surprisingly affordable.
The better and richer the blue, the better. It is mined in
India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique,
Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The
Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and
Greenland.
Iolite is relatively hard but should be protected from blows.
With its attractive color and reasonable price, it may become
a jewelry staple in the future.
Iolite attracts friends and releases an
energy of leadership and self-confidence. It helps the wearer
to take charge of their life and broaden their perspective,
leading to success in their endeavors. Iolite also helps to
eliminate debt by encouraging the wearer to take responsibility
on how to manage finances. |
