Cordierite (var: "Iolite")

Item Description

Cordierite is probably most well known for it's purple/blue variety called Iolite. Iolite translated from Greek literally means "violet stone". These gems are sometimes known as "water Sapphire" in various corners of the gem world, but it is truly gem grade Cordierite. Iolite is strongly pleochroic and this crystal shows a bluish color one direction, a violet color another direction, and a yellowish color in the third direction. This particular piece is from the Tanzanian gem gravels, where some of the nicest Iolites are being mined these days. Not a textbook crystal, but gemmy with excellent pleochroism.