Iolite

The gem quality of the Cordierite mineral family is called Iolite or “water sapphire”, with its sapphire blue color is a popular gemstone with very ancient use. Viking use it as a polarizing filter to help them find the sun on cloudy days in reference to its pleochroic ability. The most desirable color is an intense violet blue that can rival tanzanite, in fact they look very similar. It is typical opaque with translucent clarity and visible inclusions especially found in large size, Iolite when transparent gemstones with eye clean clarity are found are really appreciated by collectors and sometimes used in jewelry duo to its interesting charcateristics and beauty.