Iolite Beads

Iolite beads are made from a mineral that is scientifically known as a silicate of alumina, iron, and magneisa.

The name iolite originates in Greek, where ios means violet. Iolite is sometimes called the water sapphire, as it is often found in water deposits and has frequently been been mistaken for sapphire. It is also known as cordierite.

Iolite has a unique quality of color change when viewed from different angles. This color change can show blue, violet, yellow, and gray. In ancient times, it served as a visual lens for the early Viking explorers, allowing them to pinpoint the sun's location on cloudy days, which probably enabled them to travel farther than other sea farers of their time.

Iolite is the stone that represents the 21st anniversary in Western cultures. Some believe it has the ability to bring visions and harmony to relationships.

Gemstone beads of iolite are a sometimes overlooked element in a list of jewelry supplies, but it offers lovely transparency combined with a deep blue color and nice hardness. In jewelry making, it is often used as a substitute for blue sapphire. Gemstone beads of iolite pair well with river stone, azurite malachite, chalcedony, and sodalite, as well as pearls and coral beads.

Historically, it was mined in Norway, but now it is mined primarily in Tanzania, Zaire and India. Other significant sources of iolite include Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, and Africa.

common treatments: none

special care: protect from impact

hardness: 7