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 Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information

Hopscotch Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
A pretty pattern of oval gems separated by a pair of round gems gives this wearable style timeless sophistication.Only $306.00 at

Hopscotch Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
$306.00
Gemvara

Akari Ring, Princess Iolite Sterling Silver Ring
A brilliant princess cut gem is set in a streamlined bezel in this simple yet strong design by Tony Rodrigues.Only $339.00 at

Akari Ring, Princess Iolite Sterling Silver Ring
$339.00
Gemvara

Quatrefoil Flower Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Amethyst
Four marquise gemstones form a stunning flower shape in this unique ring design.Only $237.00 at

Quatrefoil Flower Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Amethyst
$237.00
Gemvara

Kira Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite
Polished, tailored and modern, this three-stone style has a streamlined design. This style's sleek bezel settings are especially perfect for the active woman.Only $225.00 at

Kira Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite
$225.00
Gemvara

Planets Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite
Two gems orbit the ellipse of a oval center gem. Choose birthstones and create a stylish mother's ring.Only $209.00 at

Planets Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Tanzanite
$209.00
Gemvara

Nine-Gem Band Ring, Palladium Ring with Iolite
Nine brilliant gems line the front of this classic band ring.Only $388.00 at

Nine-Gem Band Ring, Palladium Ring with Iolite
$388.00
Gemvara

Ashley Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Black Diamond
Timeless yet modern too, this three-stone style has effortless elegance.Only $414.00 at

Ashley Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Black Diamond
$414.00
Gemvara

Key to My Heart, Heart Iolite Sterling Silver Necklace
This romantic key design topped with a brilliant heart-shaped gemstone speaks eloquently without saying a word.Only $131.00 at

Key to My Heart, Heart Iolite Sterling Silver Necklace
$131.00
Gemvara

Claddagh Ring, Heart Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & White Sapphire
This timeless design by Jessica Bezhad is inspired by the traditional Irish Claddagh Ring, which is given as a token of love or of marriage. The heart symbolizes love, the hands friendship and the crown, loyalty.Only $349.00 at

Claddagh Ring, Heart Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & White Sapphire
$349.00
Gemvara

Stackable Leaf Ring, Marquise Iolite 14K Yellow Gold Ring
This elegant slim band by Danielle Meshorer with one leafy gem is designed to be worn with her other stackable rings to create a modern masterpiece or a strikingly contemporary wedding set.Only $458.00 at

Stackable Leaf Ring, Marquise Iolite 14K Yellow Gold Ring
$458.00
Gemvara

Cadena d'Amour Necklace, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
This lovely heart-shaped lock with a matching heart-shaped key is inspired by the Cadenas d'Amour, or "Love Locks," padlocks that couples attach to the Pont des Arts in Paris as a symbol of eternal love. Personalize with your birthstones for an...Only $199.00 at

Cadena d'Amour Necklace, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$199.00
Gemvara

Bamboo Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Citrine
Eternally stylish, five bezel-set gemstones punctuate the graceful sections of this ring inspired by bamboo. The ring by Martha Gomez Gutierrez tapers slightly in back, making it very comfortable to wear.Only $282.00 at

Bamboo Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Citrine
$282.00
Gemvara

Kira Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Diamond
Polished, tailored and modern, this three-stone style has a streamlined design. This style's sleek bezel settings are especially perfect for the active woman.Only $280.00 at

Kira Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Diamond
$280.00
Gemvara

Flowering Vine Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Blue Topaz & Iolite
Gem-set leaves drape across this stylish pendant by designer Lee Krombholz in elegant curves.Only $468.00 at

Flowering Vine Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Blue Topaz & Iolite
$468.00
Gemvara

Laurel Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire & Iolite
This delicate design by Ji Hwang is organic but elegant, with a garland of leaves accented by sparkling gemstone berries that go across the finger. A tapered band in back makes this ring very comfortable to wear.Only $395.00 at

Laurel Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire & Iolite
$395.00
Gemvara

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