Iolite

Item Description

Cordierite isn't really thrown around in the gem world, because it is better known by its purple/blue variety called Iolite. The name Iolite when 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 very very slightly included with a "Round" cut, and it does show slight pleochroism when rotated on its various axes.