IOLITE, the gemstone variety of cordierite

VARIETY INFORMATION:

VARIETY OF: Cordierite, Mg2Al4Si5O18, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate.
USES: Gemstone
COLOR: Various shades of yellowish gray to blue to a blue violet, deeper along the crystal axis.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.52 - 1.57
BIREFRINGENCE: is good
HARDNESS: 7 - 7.5
CLEAVAGE: poor in one direction
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: orthorhombic
We have natural Iolite Mineral Specimens
For Iolite Jewelry, see --> IOLITE JEWELRY

Iolite is a popular and interesting gemstone, and is the gem variety of the mineral cordierite. It has a delicate and quite pretty violet blue color that is unlike other gemstones, although it has been compared to a light blue sapphire. It is this reason that it is sometimes known as "water sapphire". Although the color is attractive and popular, iolite is not extremely rare and is therefore affordable.

Pleochroism is very pronounced in iolite and is seen as three different color shades in the same stone. In the viewing an iolite stone, the colors violet blue, yellow gray and a light blue can be seen, all a result of pleochroism. Tanzanite is a blue-violet gemstone variety of the mineral zoisite, has strong pleochroism as well and can be easily confused with iolite. However, tanzanite is usually more strongly colored, its pleochroic colors vary from dark blue, green-yellow and red-purple and it has greater fire.

The major sources of gem grade iolite come from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar and Burma.

Iolite Jewelry - Hover over an item for more information

Inner Circle Pendant Round Ruby Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
Four brilliant gems are embraced by a spiraling circle within a circle. Choose the gems to represent your life or those you love.Only $414.00 at

Inner Circle Pendant Round Ruby Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$414.00
Gemvara

Tri Gem Culvert Ring Round Green Amethyst Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Amethyst
Take a classic band concept and carve a unique niche for it in a recessed elongated octagon-shape ring top flush-set with three small round gems. Contemporary and stylish, the ring is sentimental, too, able to recognize special people and occasions in...Only $219.00 at

Tri Gem Culvert Ring Round Green Amethyst Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Amethyst
$219.00
Gemvara

Double Embrace Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
Two, 4mm round-cut gemstones are held in the curve of this stunning, contemporary design. Choose your gems and metal.Only $151.00 at

Double Embrace Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
$151.00
Gemvara

Quintessence Ring Round Fire Opal Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
Five sparkling gems cover the finger with brilliance in this classic style that is a Gemvara Essential.Only $168.00 at

Quintessence Ring Round Fire Opal Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
$168.00
Gemvara

Iolite Bracelet in Sterling Silver (4mm)
A single line of semi-precious iolite gemstones in shades of violetish-blue set in polished sterling silver. The perfect to complete your look.Only $165.00 at

Iolite Bracelet in Sterling Silver (4mm)
$165.00
Blue Nile

Sky Blue Topaz, White Topaz and Iolite Cluster Earrings in 14k White Gold
Let your colorful side shine through with these cluster earrings, featuring sky blue topaz, white topaz, and iolite gemstones set in a stylish 14k white gold frame.Only $550.00 at

Sky Blue Topaz, White Topaz and Iolite Cluster Earrings in 14k White Gold
$550.00
Blue Nile

Halo Earrings Round Iolite Sterling Silver Earrings with Tanzanite & White Sapphire
Classic yet dazzling, a halo of gemstone surrounds the center gems in a blaze of brilliance. These earrings are so perfectly simple you'll never take them off.Only $570.00 at

Halo Earrings Round Iolite Sterling Silver Earrings with Tanzanite & White Sapphire
$570.00
Gemvara

Alyssa Ring Pear Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite
Like one perfect tear of joy, a pear-shaped gemstone shines in this classic design. Two side gems add brilliance.Only $197.00 at

Alyssa Ring Pear Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite
$197.00
Gemvara

Katarina Ring (5mm gem) Round Iolite Sterling Silver Ring
A 5mm round-cut center stone is made all the more stunning by the intricate curves flanking this contemporary setting. Choose your gem and metal.Only $155.00 at

Katarina Ring (5mm gem) Round Iolite Sterling Silver Ring
$155.00
Gemvara

Quin Gem Culvert Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Rhodolite Garnet
Take a classic band concept and carve a unique niche for it in a recessed elongated octagon-shape ring top flush-set with five small round gems. Contemporary and stylish, the ring is sentimental, too, able to recognize special people and occasions in...Only $205.00 at

Quin Gem Culvert Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Rhodolite Garnet
$205.00
Gemvara

Brilliant Butterfly Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite & Amethyst
This striking pendant has the delicate grace of a butterfly with the added brilliance of twelve sparkling gemstones cradled in the arcs of the wings.Only $291.00 at

Brilliant Butterfly Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite & Amethyst
$291.00
Gemvara

Bundle Knot Pendant Round Iolite Sterling Silver Necklace with London Blue Topaz
A sparkling cluster of gems centers this elegant pendant, framed perfectly by loops of your favorite metal.Only $243.00 at

Bundle Knot Pendant Round Iolite Sterling Silver Necklace with London Blue Topaz
$243.00
Gemvara

Modern Flower Ring Round Peridot Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite & Iolite
Six, sparkling petals surround a seventh round-cut stone. The bezel setting gives a stylish, modern feel to a classic, star-shaped flower ring.Only $201.00 at

Modern Flower Ring Round Peridot Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite & Iolite
$201.00
Gemvara

Pearl Studs with Gem Drop Sphere White Cultured Pearl Sterling Silver Earrings with Iolite
The perfect pair: a lustrous cultured pearl is accented with a sparkling faceted gemstone in this timeless design.Only $241.00 at

Pearl Studs with Gem Drop Sphere White Cultured Pearl Sterling Silver Earrings with Iolite
$241.00
Gemvara

Slim Nine-Gem Band Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Green Amethyst
Nine brilliant gems line the front of this classic band ring.Only $220.00 at

Slim Nine-Gem Band Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Green Amethyst
$220.00
Gemvara

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