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
Infinite Brilliance pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
The endless loop of this infinity symbol pendant by Ji Hwang is crowned with a brilliant bezel-set gemstone.Only $118.00 at Gemvara
no photoInfinite Brilliance pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$118.00
Gemvara
Kendra Scott Lapis and Iolite Necklace
Dress up a simple sheath dress or structured suit with this striking Kendra Scott necklace. 14-karat gold plated metal. Link chain. Lapis and Iolite faceted stone stations. Lobster clasp with 2" extender. 18"L. Imported.Only $120.00 at Last Call by NM
no photoKendra Scott Lapis and Iolite Necklace
$120.00
Last Call by NM
Classic 5mm Stud Earrings, Round Iolite 14K White Gold Stud Earrings
The wear-with-everything, never-take-them-off must-have stud earring, in a classic 5mm size that's about a half-carat per ear, depending on the gem you choose.Only $280.00 at Gemvara
no photoClassic 5mm Stud Earrings, Round Iolite 14K White Gold Stud Earrings
$280.00
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 Gemvara
no photoKira Ring, Oval Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Diamond
$280.00
Gemvara
Stepping Stones Ring with Five Gems, Round Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Black Onyx
Circles trace a path around the finger in this stylish design by Gary Stucchi. Add birthstones to create a modern mother's ring: the five gems can represent a family of five or five children or grandchildren. Call for more gem options.Only $209.00 at Gemvara
no photoStepping Stones Ring with Five Gems, Round Iolite Sterling Silver Ring with Black Onyx
$209.00
Gemvara
Scroll Heart Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
Two graceful curves embrace to form a heart in this elegant pendant design.Only $194.00 at Gemvara
no photoScroll Heart Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$194.00
Gemvara
Dots Stacking Ring Set, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
These three stackable rings by designer Ji Hwang are variations on a circular theme, playfully combining round brilliant bezel-set gems, circular discs and raised dots. These three separate rings, while perfect together, can also be worn stacked with...Only $320.00 at Gemvara
no photoDots Stacking Ring Set, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
$320.00
Gemvara
Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Blue Topaz
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $195.00 at Gemvara
no photoTwo Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & Blue Topaz
$195.00
Gemvara
Triple-Decker Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
Three gems, each perfectly framed, create a simple statement of the power of three. Celebrate the past, present and future or three people you love by choosing the gems to add your own style to this simply classic statement.Only $169.00 at Gemvara
no photoTriple-Decker Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$169.00
Gemvara
Brilliant Pear Solitaire Pendant, Pear Iolite Sterling Silver Necklace with Diamond
The graceful drop shape of a pear-shaped gemstone gives this classic solitaire pendant added elegance. A round accent gem adds extra brilliance.Only $191.00 at Gemvara
no photoBrilliant Pear Solitaire Pendant, Pear Iolite Sterling Silver Necklace with Diamond
$191.00
Gemvara
Brilliant Butterfly Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite & Diamond
This striking pendant design by Carl Ansley has the delicate grace of a butterfly with the added brilliance of twelve sparkling gemstones cradled in the arcs of the wings.Only $724.00 at Gemvara
no photoBrilliant Butterfly Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite & Diamond
$724.00
Gemvara
Corsage Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Diamond & Iolite
This romantic ring by Shristi Design Group is like a corsage that never fades.Only $351.00 at Gemvara
no photoCorsage Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Diamond & Iolite
$351.00
Gemvara
Full Heart Pendant, Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite & Blue Topaz
Three gems fill this classic heart pendant to keep the three you love most close to your heart.Only $240.00 at Gemvara
no photoFull Heart Pendant, Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite & Blue Topaz
$240.00
Gemvara
Slim Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & White Sapphire
This sleek stackable band has ten gems channel set for a slim profile that makes it extremely comfortable to wear.Only $262.00 at Gemvara
no photoSlim Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite & White Sapphire
$262.00
Gemvara
Double Trinity Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
Inspired by the Celtic symbol for trinity known as the triquetra, designer Carl Ansley crafted an iconic pendant pave-set with 35 small gemstones hung from a smaller triquetra-shaped bail on curb chain. Filled with symbolism, the motif signifies past,...Only $679.00 at Gemvara
no photoDouble Trinity Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$679.00
Gemvara
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