Cordierite var: Iolite (rare locality)

Item Description

Cordierite is not a rare mineral, crystallized examples can be found in many localities around the world, but it's the gem purple/blue variety of the species (called Iolite) that is probably best-known to certain collectors. Iolite gets its name from the Greek, and literally translates to "violet stone". For a time they were referred to as "Water Sapphire" in various corners of the gem world, but it is truly gem grade Cordierite. Iolite is strongly pleochroic and piece shows a purple "Tanzanite-esque" color in direction, and a soft yellow color in another direction when strongly backlit. This particular piece is from the White Schist occurrence at Sar-e-Sang, Afghanistan, where the famous Lapis/Lazurite specimens have been mined for thousands of years. It's the first piece we've ever had to offer from this locality. Please note that the crystals on this piece are crude, and this is more of a reference specimen than anything else, but it's from a rare locale and would make a cool esoteric addition to any gem crystal collection.