Iolite Jewelry
A violet-blue gemstone famous for changing colour with viewing angle. Nicknamed the Viking's compass
Unearthed Gemstones Iolite Jewelry
Click the photos for a closer look of the jewelry pieces
Hardness
7 - 7.5 (Durable): Great for daily wear.
Toughness
Fair (Needs care — Vulnerable to knocks and sharp blows)
Mineral Family
Cordierite
Transparency
Transparent to Translucent
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Lustre
Vitreous
What Is Iolite?
Iolite is the gem form of the mineral cordierite, a magnesium aluminium silicate with a beautiful violet-blue colour. Its party trick is pleochroism: look through the stone one way and it is rich blue-violet, turn it and it can look pale grey or even honey-coloured. Main sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania and Brazil.
Why Is Iolite Called the Viking's Compass?
Legend has it Viking navigators used thin slices as a polarising filter to find the sun on cloudy days, earning it the nickname Viking's compass.
Is Iolite Durable Enough for Everyday Jewelry?
At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, iolite is hard enough for regular wear, though it is somewhat brittle and dislikes sharp knocks, so protective settings are smart for rings. It is virtually never treated, which is refreshing: the colour is all natural. Cutters must orient each stone carefully so the best blue faces up, and good cutting makes an enormous difference. It offers a tanzanite-like look at a friendlier price.
How to Care for Iolite Jewelry
Clean it with warm, soapy water and skip the ultrasonic.
Gemstones Similar to Iolite
A natural, untreated alternative to tanzanite's violet-blue. Kyanite matches its deep blue colour too.
