However there are some iolite stones that are lavender clear blue or deep blue in color. Iolite s name comes from the greek ios meaning violet and is the gem version of the mineral cordierite. The iolite also called cordierite and obsolete dichroit is a common mineral from the mineral class of silicates. It was named after the french mineralogist p l a. Its name is derived from the greek word ios which means violet and pertains to the gemstone s violet color.
It is also referred to as water sapphire or dichroite. A nice iolite like this one could easily serve as an alternative gem for sapphire or tanzanite at a much lower price. This stone was also known as cordierite after the french geologist louis cordier who discovered it in 1813. For this reason care must be taken by gemstone cutters to facet iolite gemstones so that their colors are oriented with the intense blue or violet showing from the top. A blue violet iolite faceted from material mined in madagascar.
Because of its beautiful violet blue color which is often compared to the light blue sapphire the iolite is sometimes called a water sapphire. This specimen is approximately 9 4 x 7 1 x 4 8 millimeters in size and weighs about 1 83 carats. Overall iolite appears as violet blue or indigo but in different positions may shift to a yellow gray or honey color and even to a clear light blue. Iolite uses and purposes overview. Because of its beautiful violet blue color which is often compared to the light blue sapphire the iolite is sometimes called a water sapphire.
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Iolite uses and purposes overview. It is also referred to as water sapphire or dichroite. However there are some iolite stones that are lavender clear blue or deep blue in color.
