Iolite Stone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Iolite Stone Overview
Iolite is a beautiful purple-colored stone belonging to the cordierite family. This gemstone is considered one of the best unique-looking stones because of its rare purple coloration. Many people collect iolite stones because of their powerful spiritual abilities and stunning color.
This article will look into the details of the meanings, properties, and uses of the Iolite stone.
What is Iolite?
Iolite stones are unique purple stones that are hard to find in nature. Their rarity and interesting color make them a curiosity in many people’s eyes. Purple stones, like Iolite and Kunzite, are rare in nature, making them very desirable for collectors and enthusiasts.
The Iolite stone is related to the inner strength and intuition of the wearer. It corresponds to the third eye chakra of the human body and belongs to the Cordierite mineral group.
Cordierite is a magnesium-iron aluminum cyclosilicate in which iron is almost always present and exists as a solid solution. The name “cordierite” is used by geologists; the gem form of this mineral, when transparent and gem quality, is known in the trade as “Iolite.”
Iolite Stone has a high-temperature polymorph called indialite, which is structurally similar to beryl and contains randomly distributed aluminum atoms among the silicon rings.
What is the origin of the name?
Cordierite, a mineral discovered in specimens from Níjar by the French geologist Louis Cordie in 1813, is named after him.
Iolite’s name is derived from the Greek word for violet.
What are some other names for Iolite?
Some other names for Iolite are:
- Dichroite: A Greek word that means “two-colored rock,” a reference to cordierite’s strong pleochroism.
- Viking’s Compass: Due to its usefulness in determining the sun’s direction on overcast days, the Vikings have used it for this purpose.
- Water Sapphire
- Steinheilite: Named after Fabian Steinheil
Geological Occurrence
Iolite is found in contact or regional metamorphism of pelitic rocks and is especially common in hornfels produced by contact metamorphism.
Sillimanite-cordierite-spinel, cordierite-spinel/plagioclase orthopyroxene, and garnet form common metamorphic mineral assemblages. Anthophyllites are also present in some gneisses.
Iolite also occurs with other rock types, such as granite and pegmatites. The alteration process produces mica, chlorite, and talc. For example, Cordierite can be found in the Granitic Gabbro zone of Geevor Tin Mine in Cornwall.
Where is The Iolite Stone found?
Iolite stones are found in many countries worldwide:
What are the physical properties of Iolite Stone?
The Iolite stone has the following physical properties:
| Mineral Group | Cordierite |
| Formula | (Mg, Fe)2Al3(AlSi5O18) |
| Color | Violet |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 7 – 7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.55 – 1.62 |
| Fracture | Uneven, Conchoidal |
| Luster | Vitreous, Greasy |
| Specific Gravity | 2.56 – 2.66 |
| Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
What is the typical appearance of the Iolite stone?
Gem-quality Iolite stone varies in color from sapphire blue to bluish-violet and light blue as the angle of observation changes.
Iolite stone is famous for its remarkable trichroism: deep violet-blue (looking down the length of the prism) – blue-gray or yellowish-brown (when viewed through the sides). As a result, Cordierite can be cut into attractive blue-faceted gems if it is oriented correctly.
Some Iolite stones have a cat’s eye effect, and others display weak asterism. When present in the bloodshot Iolite stone, a tabular parallel brownish-red iron oxide can cause a glittery effect when seen from different angles.
Normal inclusions present in iolite stones include hematite, rutile, apatite, mica, etc.
How can you tell if your Iolite is genuine or not?
You can tell if your Iolite is real by comparing it to a known gemstone of the same type and size. First, try to find one that has a similar color and clarity, then examine the edges and facets for differences. You may also want to take your stone to an expert jeweler or gemologist for examination.
Some valuable tips are given to help you identify the authenticity of your gemstone:
- Color: It is best to look for a uniform, bright color in Iolite. If the stone’s color isn’t consistent, it may have been dyed or otherwise treated.
- Acetone Test: Soak Iolite stone in acetone for a few minutes to see if the color comes off. If it does, you can be sure your stone is fake.
- Check for inclusions: Inclusions are natural flaws in the rock, even in natural Green Iolite. If you look closely at your gemstone, you should be able to find them—small and irregularly shaped. If there aren’t any irregularities of this kind, it’s a fake.
- Check for weight: Check the weight of your Iolite. If it feels too light, then it may be fake or insubstantial.
- Scratch Test: Do a scratch test. Kitchen knives shouldn’t leave a mark on hard stones with a rating of 6-7 or higher. Iolite has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 and does not have cleavage.
Iolite Stone Cost and Value
Iolite is a very affordable and durable gemstone that can be used as an alternative to more expensive blue-colored gems such as sapphire.
Fine, darker blue to violet iolite crystals weighing between one and five can be sold anywhere from USD 60–80 per carat. However, rarer stones that weigh between five and 10-carat may cost collectors up to three times as much—USD 100–150 per carat.
Color
Color is a significant factor in determining the value of Iolite. The gem’s dark blue-to-violet color, combined with a clear and transparent appearance, makes it one of the most valuable stones on the market today. An intense blue iolite that is considered very rare and valuable by collectors.
Cut
A proper cut is the key to a gemstone’s brilliance. The best cuts will let in the most light and bounce it back out, highlighting its color. A gem should be brilliant (shiny) and eye-clean (free from flaws). If you’re shopping for a faceted gemstone, it should reflect like a mirror when you hold it to the light.
Size
Size is also important. The bigger the stone, the more expensive it will be. The price per carat increases with the size of the gemstone. For example, a one-carat iolite is usually more costly than a half-carat one because fewer are available at any given time, and they take longer to find.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number and size of inclusions or imperfections in a gemstone. The fewer inclusions there are, the greater the clarity. Therefore, a stone with high clarity will have few visible inclusions when viewed under magnification, whereas those with low clarity may look cloudy or foggy.
Chakra Connection
Which Chakra does The Iolite Stone symbolize?
- Iolite stone is a gem of the third eye chakra. Its color has been associated with spiritual awakening, psychic visions, and lucid dreaming. It is also thought to help you tap into your intuition and inner knowing while increasing self-awareness. Iolite stones can be used in meditation to help you connect to higher realms of consciousness and discover answers about your life purpose.
- Iolite is also a stone of the throat chakra. It can help you to speak your truth and enhance your ability to communicate clearly, especially when working with children or animals. Iolite is thought to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving moods that are low in energy or enthusiasm.
Where are these Chakras located?
- The third eye chakra is present in the center of your forehead, between your eyebrows. It’sIt’s also known as the Ajna or Brow Chakra. This Chakra governs intuition, psychic ability, and communication with spiritual realms.
- Thorat Chakra is the fourth Chakra. It’sIt’s located at the center of your throat, right below your Adam’s apple. The Throat Chakra governs communication and self-expression. It also regulates moods and helps you heal when you feel depressed, anxious, or stressed out.
What does The Iolite Stone Symbolize?
Iolite stone symbolizes the following:
- Self-Awareness: Iolite stone is an excellent crystal for helping you see yourself clearly to make better choices and decisions. It can also help you to find your purpose in life and allows you to understand what truly makes you happy.
- Inner Strength: Iolite is an excellent stone for helping you to find your inner strength, as it can help to ground you and bring balance. It can also help you to overcome any fears that may be holding you back from achieving your dreams.
- Intuition: Iolite stone that helps you to connect with your intuition and helps you to understand what it is trying to tell you. It can also help to bring clarity into your life and assist you in making decisions when faced with difficult choices.
- Psychic Ability: Iolite is an excellent stone for helping you to tap into your psychic abilities, as it can help to clear the mind and open up new pathways. It can also help you connect with the spiritual realm to access information from beyond this world.
- Communication with Higher Realms: Iolite stone is an excellent crystal for helping you to connect with higher realms and other dimensions so that you can receive guidance from the spiritual realm. It can also help you understand what your higher self wants from you and how best to achieve those goals.
- Dreaming: Iolite can help you to recall your dreams so that you can better understand their meaning. It can also help you interpret the dream world and accurately predict what will happen next.
What are the uses of Iolite Stones?
Iolite stones have the following uses:
- Iolite is a super-powerful spiritual stone. It’s used to increase one’s psychic abilities and enhance one’s connection with the spirit world and nature. The ideal time to wear it is in astrological Pisces or Neptune, as those are the signs associated with those energies. Iolite is also a potent detoxifier, purging negative energies from your surrounding environment.
- Iolite is a gemstone that creates an energetic shield around you, protecting you from negative energy. It helps you eliminate negative emotions and intentions from yourself and others. Iolite helps build self-confidence, compassion, and understanding of your place in the world. It has been used for stress relief and relaxation.
- Iolite is said to assist in emotional healing, bringing inner tranquility and peace. Iolite is also said to open our intuition and enhance psychic skills, enhancing communication with guides and angels. Iolite is associated with the throat Chakra, so it helps us speak our truth, letting our voice be heard without fear or worry of rejection.
- Iolite is a stone of mystical visions. The Iolite pendant is said to allow one to see into spiritual dimensions, precisely the 2nd level of consciousness and the oneness of all people and things. Iolite is believed to amplify psychic abilities and bring mental clarity, particularly in stressful situations. It helps one connect with their intuition, getting messages from spirit guides. It is also a stone linked with helping people associated with the zodiac of Taurus, Sagittarius, and Libra.
- Iolite is a lovely stone that will help open up the mind and bring higher wisdom. Iolite is also known as a good stone for students of all kinds. It enables you to remember information correctly and increases mental powers, allowing you to absorb information quickly and understand it better, even if you have difficulty remembering things usually.
- Iolite is a stone of spiritual inspiration that heightens intuition, helps to open up hidden talents, and brings mental clarity. It is also known as a “stone of foresight” that helps with psychic development. Those working on spiritual growth/healing may use Iolite to aid in meditation or other purposes.
- Iolite is a stone of transformation and insight. Iolite earrings provide profound spiritual guidance, helping us to connect with the ancient past and to receive wisdom from our ancestors. Iolite can help us retrieve ancient knowledge buried within our subconscious, bringing it to the surface so we can heal old wounds and move forward toward our goals. Iolite is involved in detoxification and helping with migraines.
How to clean Iolite Jewelry?
Some simple methods for cleaning Iolite Jewelry are listed below:
- Wipe the jewelry with a microfiber cloth and warm water, just as you would for any other piece of jewelry.
- If your Iolite Jewelry has been worn frequently or is dirty from everyday wear, you can use mild dish soap to clean it. Make sure that the soap does not contain bleach!
- Rub some alcohol onto a soft cloth and use this to clean the surface of the gemstone—this will keep it looking shiny!
- Cleanse it using burning sage to remove any negativity absorbed, which can negatively impact the surroundings.
- There are various ways to recharge your amulet, including immersing it in moonlight or burying it underground.
It’s essential to cleanse the Iolite before using it—the process keeps you energized and helps keep negative energies at bay.
Iolite should not be exposed to household chemicals or heat, damaging it or changing its color.
FAQ
What is Iolite known for?
According to legend, Vikings used iolite slices to check the sun’s position without being blinded by the glare. Iolite displays different colors when viewed in different directions. Iolites are usually faceted so that their transparency can be highlighted – this makes them popular for use in jewelry and decorative objects.
Who can wear Iolite stone?
Iolite is a beautiful stone that anyone can wear. It’s associated with the third eye chakra, which means it promotes clarity and insight. Iolite helps you tap into your psychic powers and make sense of things in your life. In addition, it enables you to see things from different perspectives, making it great for problem-solving.
What other gemstones go well with Iolite?
Iolite can be combined with other stones to enhance their properties. It’s an excellent stone to wear when working with energy or crystals because it’ll help you focus and see things more clearly. For increased psychic abilities, you can also wear Iolite with amethyst, rose quartz, ruby, kyanite, and clear quartz. It also complements tanzanite’s vivid hue.
