Iolite is characterized by being a translucent and polychromatic gemstone thanks to the effect that light and its variations can have on its colors, making it possible to see different colors depending on the angle

• Color: Iolite exhibits a range of colors that include shades of blue, violet and sometimes gray or greenish tones. The most prized iolites display a vivid and intense bluish-violet color.
• Hardness: Iolite has a moderate hardness of 7 to 7.50 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for various types of jewelry, although care must be taken to avoid scratches and damage.
• Optical Property: One of the most intriguing characteristics of iolite is its pleochroism, which means that it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. This phenomenon can cause a stone to appear blue from one angle and violet from another.
• Origin: Iolite is found in various locations around the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, and Tanzania. Different sources can produce iolite with different color shades and clarity levels. Clarity: Iolite typically has good to excellent clarity, with few visible inclusions. Stones with high transparency and intense color are highly valued.
• Cut: Iolite is commonly cut into a variety of shapes, with the oval cut being the most suitable for observing its pleochroism.
• Treatment: Iolite is typically untreated as its color is natural and its optical properties are highly desirable. However, some stones may undergo heat treatment to improve color consistency.
• Symbolism: Iolite is associated with intuition, vision, and inner strength. It is often called the “Viking compass” or the “Viking stone” as it was believed to have been used by Norse explorers for navigation .
• Value: The value of iolite depends on factors such as color intensity, clarity, cut quality, and size. Deep, intense violet-blue colors are highly appreciated, with excellent transparency and a well-executed cut.

** Check prices according to quality and size.