Iolite Stone

Iolite Stone Meaning

Iolite is a silicate of alumina, iron, and magnesia, having a bright blue color to bluish purple color with vitreous luster. The name iolite comes from the Greek 'ios', which means violet. Iolite is a blue silicate mineral that occurs as crystals or grains in igneous rocks, only as a result of contamination of the magma by aluminous sediment. The property that made iolite so valuable to the Vikings is extreme pleochroism. Iolite has different colors in different directions in the crystal. The gemstone changes colors depending upon which angle it is viewed from.

Iolite gemstone, known as the Vikings' compass, due to it's ability to determine the direction of the sun on overcast days. When the legendary Viking mariners sailed the wide ocean, they used thin pieces of iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate safely.

An inexperienced buyer may confuse the iolite stone with Tanzanite but these gemstones are different in nature. Iolite gemstone is quiet sturdy and a durable stone and also its price is lesser than Tanzanite.

While buying iolite stone make sure that it has almost no inclusion when seen with naked eyes. Also the iolite stone should show the best color when viewed from the top. This is a very important property as color vary with the cut of iolite.

Iolite Stone Occurrence and Structure

Synthetic magnesium iolite has a low thermal expansion and is used as a semirefractory material because of its resistance to thermal shock. Iolite is artistically used in making necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets etc. Iolite is commonly cut into traditional shapes, and its most desirable color is a rich violet-blue. It is found in the regions of Sri Lanka, Burma, India, Madagascar and Brazil.

Pleochroism in Iolite

Iolite stone displays an important feature known as Pleochroism. With this property this gemstone shows different colors when viewed from different angles and sides. By viewing iolite stone from one side it appears bluish violet and when viewed from other angle it almost appears pale or colorless. Because of pleochroism property, it is difficult to cut the lolite stone. Cutting iolite at perfect angle and side needs expert hands so that it can show best color when viewed from different angles.

Why Iolite is Known as the Gemstone of Vikings?

It is believed that Iolite helps vikings in navigation during high saes when vikings are away from coastline. When this iolite gemstone is viewed from certain angle then exact position of the Sun can be determined and Vikings can never get lost during high seas. Because of this property, iolite is also known as a guiding stone.

Iolite Stone Properties

Iolite is the stone of 3rd and 4th chakra that opens a pathway from throat chakra up to the crown.

Iolite gemstone is considered as the stone of happiness and joy. It helps in building relationship with others as iolite possesses good feng shui properties.

Iolite stone jewelry is also considered to be a success jewelry and can be given as a gift.

Iolite stone removes the hurdle of debt and clears the financial problems. One can have a better ability to manage the finances.

Iolite Stone Healing Properties

Iolite stone cures sore throat, skin eruptions and blisters.

Iolite gemstone enhances the inner leadership quality and gives self confidence and the ability to lead.

Iolite stone also provides protection from diseases and gives physical balance.

Iolite gemstone fight against fever producing disorders.

Iolite Stone Astrology

Iolite stone has a connection with astrology as it stimulates the spiritual being and guide one to get the awareness and awakening of inner knowledge and strength.

Iolite harmonizes the relationships by brining you to live for the moment.

It helps in meditating without distraction.

Vision and prophecy come with iolite gemstone. It is considered to stimulate third eye chakras that leads to clairvoyance.

Iolite Stone Jewelry

Iolite Jewelry

Iolite Earrings