Iolite

Overview
Buyer's Guide

OVERVIEW

ABOUT IOLITE

Iolite is a strongly pleochroic gemstone made of the mineral cordierite. It comes in a range of colours including shades of blue, violet and grey; additionally, it can appear colourless when viewed from some angles. Discovered centuries ago in Sri Lanka, Scandinavia and elsewhere, it has been alternately identified as sapphire, water-sapphire and even Violet Sapphire. In addition to its traditional use in jewellery and accessories, iolite is used as an industrial abrasive for machining titanium components. Further, iolite's quality to be cut into faceted gems gives jewellery designers plenty of room to create exquisite jewellery pieces such as rings, earrings and necklaces with this stunning stone as the centrepiece. All in all, iolite's wide range of colours and its fascinating history make it an interesting gemstone choice when searching for something unique.

IOLITE DESCRIPTION

WATER SAPPHIRE

Iolite, also called water sapphire, is a gemstone closely resembling sapphire in appearance, but with a much lower price tag.

VIKING COMPASS

Iolite was used as a navigational tool to determine the exact position of the sun on cloudy days or in the night time.

4000 Years

The oldest specimens of Iolite days going back to 4000 years.

IOS

It gets its name from a Greek word, ‘ion’, which means purple.

FACTS

Species: IOLITE

Composition: (Mg2Al4 (Si 5AlO 18 )

Crystal System: Orthorhombic; prisms

Colour: Blue

Refractive Index: 1.542 – 1.578

Specific Gravity: 2.58 – 2.66

Fluorescence: None

Dispersion: 0.017

ASTROLOGICAL ADVICE

Iolite is a Vedic gemstone, also called the “Vikings’ compass” due to its use by shamans and seafarers as a polarizing filter to aid them in navigation and voyages. It is ascribed with several spiritual and metaphysical powers, acting as a bridge that links the physical plane and the astral plane. Vedic astrologers believe that the stone has the power to relieve stress and enhance neural pathways, cultivating creativity and promoting clear thinking. It can also help wearers or users see creative solutions to difficult situations and make rapid decisions, allowing them to move past negative emotions. Additionally, Veda connects iolite with Saturn's beneficial aspects for creating harmony within relationships and generating greater financial success. It is considered as an affordable substitute for a blue sapphire.

5 ALTERNATIVES

FACTS

Species: IOLITE

Composition: (Mg2Al4 (Si 5AlO 18 )

Crystal System: Orthorhombic; prisms

Colour: Blue

Refractive Index: 1.542 – 1.578

Specific Gravity: 2.58 – 2.66

Fluorescence: None

Dispersion: 0.017

3 REASONS WE LOVE THIS GEM

PLEOCHROISM

Due to its pleochroism (two- or three-colour effect), iolite appears different at different angles it is viewed.

WATER SAPPHIRE

Due to its close resemblance with sapphire in appearance, iolite is also called ‘water sapphire’.

SPIRITUAL POWER

It is also believed to have spiritual powers and many wear this gemstone for balancing their energies which is essential for living a content life.

ASTROLOGICAL ADVICE

5 ALTERNATIVES

TIPS AND ADVICE

COLOUR

Iolite is a violet colour gem displays various shades of violet, blue, yellow, grey, and sometimes colourless. Most desirable colour is violets blue to vibrant blue.

CLARITY

Iolite is fairly a clear gem. As compare to blue sapphire, eye clean pieces of iolite are much easier to find.

ORIGIN

Sri Lanka is the main producer of iolite. It is also abundantly found in India, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil.

CERTIFICATION

Certification helps to identify the identity of this beautiful violet colour gemstone.

FAQ’s

How to care of Iolite?

Though iolite has good hardness (between 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale), but it is not a tough gemstone. Protective care should be taken when cleaning or wearing iolite jewellery. The stone is easily scratched and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or steam cleaners.

Despite its colour, why iolite is not a popular gemstone?

The inconsistent supply of fine quality iolite has restricted its popularity. Though it is an affordable alternative to tanzanite.

Why it is difficult to cut an iolite?

Due to strong pleochroism, it becomes a challenge for a gem cutter to get the right colour. So, it becomes a tough decision for the gem cutter.

What does iolite symbolise?

It is said to provide courage and calming energy to those who wear it. It is perfect for anyone looking for reassurance or inspiration in their daily lives.

BUYER'S GUIDE

Shopping for IOLITE can seem intimidating, but with a few Vedic tips you can find the perfect stone for your needs. The Vedic astrological system has its own guidelines on how to select the ideal IOLITE. For instance, it recommends looking for stones that are eye-clean and of a deep blue colour. It also highlights the importance of considering factors like shape, clarity, and weight since they determine the efficacy of IOLITE in Vedic energy healing practices. With these Vedic tips in mind, you’re sure to find the best IOLITE for your collection.

Colour

Iolite appears in different shades of blues and violets. Due to pleochroism, it can show two or three different colours in different viewing angles. Violet blue to fine blue are the most desired iolite colours. Greyish blue is considered as the cheaper variety of iolite.

Clarity

Eye-clean pieces are most sought after and it is easier to get a clear iolite as compare to a sapphire.

Treatment

Unlike tanzanite, and sapphire, iolite is usually remained untreated and unheated. Most of the iolites do not get treated at all. Because of non-treatments, demand for iolite has become strong and prices of good quality iolite has substantially gone up.

Origin

Sri Lanka is the major nation which produces good quality iolites. It is also procured in India, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil.

TIPS & ADVICE

1. HOW TO BUY GEMS ONLINE

When looking to buy Iolite gemstones, there are a few factors to consider. First, browse online and offline resources for the best prices and selection. Consider the gemstone's colour saturation and the cut of the gemstone; in some cases it can change the way it looks dramatically. Additionally, check with an appraiser to ensure you're getting authentic gemstones by verifying that they are giving genuine certification. Lastly, make sure you are buying gemstones from an authorized retailer like gemkart or vishhwas, as this will help ensure quality and reduce your risk of being scammed. With these few tips in mind, you can find great deals on beautiful Iolite gemstones! At Gemkart, we have the gemmological expertise of more than 20 years. We have certified iolite, which comes direct from the mines that carries Authentication Report based on the 'clarity & purity' standard. Each Gemkart and Vishhwas gemstones is selected by a gemmologist and enlightened with Vedic mantras. You can buy certified iolite online at gemkart.com or visit our Vishhwas Gemstones store. We believe in full disclosure by informing the customer about gem treatments and certification.

2.LOOK FOR TRANSPARENCY

Generally, people consider the darker the colour of iolite, better it is. But in reality, transparency is foremost important because if a gem is transparent and free from inclusions, more sun rays will pass on to the body. So a transparent iolite shall be more effective astrologically.

3. WHEN IN DOUBT, GET IN TOUCH WITH US.

We have a team of gemmology experts led by Soli Sethi, who is a certified gemmologist and who has spent his life for gemstones. For any kind of help related to gemstones, you can write to us at care@gemkart.com.

FAQ’s

What are the benefits of white sapphire?

White sapphires promote love, affection, good health, luxury, and purifies the soul and the body.

How is a white sapphire different from a diamond?

A diamond can show more brilliance, and sparkle than a white sapphire. Diamond has more dispersion(fire) and is much harder than a sapphire.

How should I care for my white sapphire?

Sapphires can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Steam, and ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe to be used on untreated, and unheated sapphires.

THIS MONTH'S

FEATURED GEMS

Ruby

This transparent quartz has colors of both amethyst and citrine, and is called ametrine or amethyst-citrine.

Opal

Opal is a kaleidoscopic gem like a firework in the sky reflecting different hues.

Emerald

Unique pure vibrant bluish green to green colour with optimum saturation, emeralds occurs rare.

Blue Sapphire

Combining excellent hardness and wear-ability with outstanding brilliance and lustre, blue is the classic sapphire colour. It is a powerful stone for planet Saturn or Sani.