Iolite (''Bloodshot Iolite'') (ex Bill Larson Collection)

Item Description

Here we have a truly unusual gem from a most unusual locality. Earlier this year we offered one of these stones, and this is the LAST ONE we have to offer. Prior to these gems, I don't think we've ever had a gemstone from Yemen, and I can't say we've ever had a single gem of this particular variety of Iolite in the auctions either. This stone is a fantastic example of what is marketed as "Bloodshot Iolite". This material is simply Iolite (the gem blue-purple variety of Cordierite) which has tiny platelet inclusions of red or brownish iron oxide. Now I've seen some sites list these inclusions and Lepidocrocite, but I'm inclined to believe it's actually Hematite, just like the Quartz / Amethyst crystals from Erongo, Namibia were supposedly included with Lepidocrocite, and they all turned out to be Hematite as well. With that said, these red inclusions create a very pleasing effecting as you can see in the photo/video for this stone. The stone is good sized to be sure, and it measures nearly 2 inches long! The color of the Iolite itself is a medium purple hue, and the brilliant red inclusions glow with color when the stone is backlit. A really impressive, esoteric and highly desirable stone for any rare stone collector or a fan or big, attractive and odd gemstones. This stone comes to us from the collection of Bill Larson, the well-known mineral/gem dealer, collector, miner and world traveler from Fallbrook California. The stone is priced at $1,085.25 retail in our inventory.