Iolite Gemstone Information Central

 Firstly, please know that I write all my own material and take all my own photographs. Being in the business, I've had quite a few stunning pieces go through my hands, and have photographed them all lol!

If you want to use any materials on this page (photos or text) please just ask. Otherwise, they are copywritten and you cannot use them.

Chemical composition - Mg2Al3O

Pleocroism - Trichroic

Refractive index - 1.53 - 1.55

Mohs hardness scale - 7.5

Birthstone for the sun sign - Virgo

21st Anniversary gemstone

This is one of the gemstones that is truly rare and wonderous to find flawless. Generally, it's very difficult to find flawless iolite. Most pieces are included to some extent.

According to ancient Scandinavian mythology, Norse navigators used thin pieces of iolite as the worlds' first polarizing filter.

Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the position of the sun on overcast days and navigate correctly. Hence iolite is sometimes known as the Viking Compass or Viking Stone

It is said that iolite is one of the best stones to work with, as it is great for opening the 3rd and crown chakras. Enabling the healer to help with detoxing, varicose veins and sore throats.