Collection: Iolite or Cordierite

Iolite , also known as cordierite , is a gemstone valued for its blue to deep violet-blue color and unique optical properties.

🔷 Name and origin

• Mineralogical name : Cordierite (named after the French geologist Louis Cordier)

• Trade name : Iolite (from the Greek ios , meaning "purple")

• It is sometimes called water sapphire , because of its color and transparent appearance.

🧪 Physical and chemical characteristics

• Chemical formula : (Mg,Fe)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈

• Hardness : 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale

• Crystal system : Orthorhombic

• Density : 2.58 to 2.66

• Transparency : Transparent to translucent

🌈 Color and pleochroism

Iolite is famous for its pleochroism , meaning that it shows three different colors depending on the viewing angle :

• Purplish blue

• Gray to pale yellow

• Light blue to colorless

It is a stone that literally changes appearance depending on its orientation and the light.

🌍 Geographical origins

The main deposits are located in:

• India (current largest supplier)

• Sri Lanka

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Tanzania

• Brazil

• Norway and Madagascar

💎 Use in jewelry

• Faceted cut for rings, pendants or earrings

• Its hardness makes it suitable for everyday use, but it can fracture in the event of a violent impact.

🧘♂️ Symbolic properties (lithotherapy, beliefs)

• Promotes mental clarity and focus

• Help with inner visualization and spiritual journeying

• Associated with the third eye chakra

• Used to strengthen intuition

📜 History and anecdotes

• The Vikings are said to have used cordierite as a "sunstone" for navigating at sea, as its pleochroism allows the sun's position to be located even on overcast days.