Cordierite (var: Iolite)

Item Description

In the gem world, most people probably haven't heard of Cordierite. This is due to the fact that is better known for its 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 shows a strong blue color one direction, a violet color another direction, and a yellowish color in the third direction. This particular gem is from the Tanzanian gem gravels, where some of the nicest Iolites are being mined these days. The stone is only virtually eye clean with a "Trillion" cut, and it does show slight pleochroism when rotated on its various axes.