Faceted 9 x 7
millimeter Iolite oval gemstone with
14 Karat Gold
Pendant top to bottom 23.5mm almost an
inch
Chain is not included.
$725.
The name for Iolite is taken
from the root of the word violet. Appropriately
enough, Iolite is a slightly purplish blue-really
a dark violet color. Iolite is dichroic (it has
also been called Dichroite), so from different
directions it may also show light brown or even
colorless. It is the blue to colorless shift which
earned it the old misnomer 'water sapphire.'
Iolite is commonly cut in faceted
shapes, while the more translucent stones are
fashioned into cabochons or carvings for signet
rings. This gem is primarily found in India,
Tanzania, and Sri Lanka and is used to commemorate
the 21st wedding anniversary. Friendliness and
higher, purer thoughts were ascribed to Iolite's
influences. It was thought to promote charity and
helpfulness. Legends describe Iolite as
strengthening eyesight.
In ancient times Viking mariners used
a thin slice of Iolite to help in navigation.
Because its strong dichroism makes it act like
polarized sunglasses, its properties helped the
Vikings locate the true position of the sun on
cloudy or hazy days.
Hardness: 7-7.5
Toughness: Fair
