Iolite
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
Gemstones: Beauty, Lore and Fascination is available through
Intarsia Press, a division of Foxfire Jewelers, 14176 NE Woodinville-Duvall
Rd., Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 485-0625.
Jewelry shown is not avaliable for sale online. Some
pieces may be available in our store, but generally, photos are
only to demonstrate the type of jewelry we make. Please contact
us at Foxfire Jewelers by emailing 
or by calling (425)-485-0625.
Our address is:
Foxfire Jewelers
14176 NE Woodinville-Duvall Road
Woodinville, WA 98072
