IOLITE, the gemstone variety of cordierite

VARIETY INFORMATION:

VARIETY OF: Cordierite, Mg2Al4Si5O18, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate.
USES: Gemstone
COLOR: Various shades of yellowish gray to blue to a blue violet, deeper along the crystal axis.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.52 - 1.57
BIREFRINGENCE: is good
HARDNESS: 7 - 7.5
CLEAVAGE: poor in one direction
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: orthorhombic
We have natural Iolite Mineral Specimens
For Iolite Jewelry, see --> IOLITE JEWELRY

Iolite is a popular and interesting gemstone, and is the gem variety of the mineral cordierite. It has a delicate and quite pretty violet blue color that is unlike other gemstones, although it has been compared to a light blue sapphire. It is this reason that it is sometimes known as "water sapphire". Although the color is attractive and popular, iolite is not extremely rare and is therefore affordable.

Pleochroism is very pronounced in iolite and is seen as three different color shades in the same stone. In the viewing an iolite stone, the colors violet blue, yellow gray and a light blue can be seen, all a result of pleochroism. Tanzanite is a blue-violet gemstone variety of the mineral zoisite, has strong pleochroism as well and can be easily confused with iolite. However, tanzanite is usually more strongly colored, its pleochroic colors vary from dark blue, green-yellow and red-purple and it has greater fire.

The major sources of gem grade iolite come from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar and Burma.

Iolite Jewelry Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information

Midnight Moondance Rainbow Obsidian Ring
The beautiful midnight black of rainbow obsidian is alight with sparkly stars of natural gemstones. Blue topaz, red garnet, blue iolite and purple amethyst swoop around the obsidian in glittering arc of color and light. A wavy openwork scroll design of...Only $50.99 at

Midnight Moondance Rainbow Obsidian Ring
$50.99
Carolyn Pollack Sterling Jewelry

Balcony Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire & Iolite
This intricate band designed by Jessica Behzad is inspired by the delicately curled and arched forms of the wrought iron balconies of the French Quarter of New Orleans. The pattern repeats all the way around the finger, punctuated by brilliant...Only $294.00 at

Balcony Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire & Iolite
$294.00
Gemvara

High Quality gemstone Violet Iolite Sterling Silver Bracelet
$144.15
SilverRushStyle.com

Infinity Knot Ring, Round Iolite Palladium Ring
Two infinity symbols are joined with a brilliant gem in this stylishly symbolic ring design.Only $537.00 at

Infinity Knot Ring, Round Iolite Palladium Ring
$537.00
Gemvara

Ross-Simons 10.70 ct. t.w. Mixed Gem Cluster Ring In Sterling Silver. Size 7
Energized with 10.70 ct. tot. gem wt. blue topaz, green diopside, peridot, garnet, amethyst, iolite and pink tourmaline. Sterling silver ring.Only $187.50 at

Ross-Simons 10.70 ct. t.w. Mixed Gem Cluster Ring In Sterling Silver. Size 7
$187.50

Bouquet Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Citrine & Iolite
A delightful bouquet of freshly-cut gemstones for your finger, this luxe design by Studio 228 never needs watering.Only $488.00 at

Bouquet Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Citrine & Iolite
$488.00
Gemvara

Bubble Stacking Rings, Set of Four, Round Iolite Sterling Silver Ring
This delightful stack of four separate stackable rings by designer Ji Hwang has layers of discs and bezel-set gemstones adding dimension. These four rings are perfect together, interesting alone, and also mix well with other stack rings.Only $398.00 at

Bubble Stacking Rings, Set of Four, Round Iolite Sterling Silver Ring
$398.00
Gemvara

Classic 6mm Stud Earrings, Round Iolite 14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
The wear-with-everything, never-take-them-off classic stud earring, in a classic 6mm size, about three-quarter carat per ear, depending on the gems you choose.Only $388.00 at

Classic 6mm Stud Earrings, Round Iolite 14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
$388.00
Gemvara

Emerald-Cut Solitaire Pendant, Emerald-Cut Iolite Platinum Necklace
Elegant ice: the brilliant geometry of the emerald-cut adds refinement to this classic solitaire style.Only $606.00 at

Emerald-Cut Solitaire Pendant, Emerald-Cut Iolite Platinum Necklace
$606.00
Gemvara

Feng Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
This stylish pendant by designer Jeff Okean is inspired by the Chinese character Feng, which means abundance or grace.Only $551.00 at

Feng Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with Iolite
$551.00
Gemvara

Summer Palace Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
The scrolls and curves of this elegant ring by Jessica Bezhad are inspired by the ornate wrought-iron gates to a Summer palace in Europe.Only $236.00 at

Summer Palace Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Iolite
$236.00
Gemvara

Hopscotch Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Aquamarine & Iolite
A pretty pattern of oval gems separated by a pair of round gems gives this wearable style timeless sophistication.Only $452.00 at

Hopscotch Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Aquamarine & Iolite
$452.00
Gemvara

Balcony Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Black Diamond & Iolite
This intricate band designed by Jessica Behzad is inspired by the delicately curled and arched forms of the wrought iron balconies of the French Quarter of New Orleans. The pattern repeats all the way around the finger, punctuated by brilliant...Only $304.00 at

Balcony Band, Sterling Silver Ring with Black Diamond & Iolite
$304.00
Gemvara

Vine Leaf Studs, Sterling Silver Stud Earrings with Iolite
The curl of a vine, the symmetry of a leaf are brilliantly evoked with simple forms in these beautiful earrings by Danielle Meshorer.Only $368.00 at

Vine Leaf Studs, Sterling Silver Stud Earrings with Iolite
$368.00
Gemvara

Classic 6mm Stud Earrings, Round Iolite 14K White Gold Stud Earrings
The wear-with-everything, never-take-them-off classic stud earring, in a classic 6mm size, about three-quarter carat per ear, depending on the gems you choose.Only $391.00 at

Classic 6mm Stud Earrings, Round Iolite 14K White Gold Stud Earrings
$391.00
Gemvara

See More Iolite Jewelry Selections at Bizrate