Iolite (good pleochroism) (ex Marvin Rockey estate)

Item Description

Although the mineral Cordierite has been found in many worldwide localities, it is probably most well known for its gem purple/blue variety called Iolite. The name Iolite comes from Greek and literally translates into "violet stone". These gems are sometimes known as "water Sapphire" in various corners of the gem world, but it is simply 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 Brazil and dates back to the 1970s. The stone has some slight inclusions with a "Round Brilliant cut, and it was actually cut at about a 45 degree angle to the "c" axis, so you can actually see the blue-purple and yellow hues at the same time when the stone is viewed face up. This is not typically the way Iolite gems are cut, and it's rare to find a stone that shows multiple colors from the same viewing angle. This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.