Iolite (Cordierite)

Item Description

Cordierite typically is not found in gem quality material, but the gem grade purple/blue variety is called Iolite. The name Iolite comes from Greek and translates in to "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 Myanmar, not the typical Brazilian or Tanzanian material. The stone is slightly included with an "Emerald" cut, and it does show fairly good pleochroism when rotated on its various axis, but it's hard to illustrate in the photos / video.