Iolite / Cordierite - knowledge base, jewelry
Properties of Iolite, physiological effects, zodiac signs and Iolite jewelry.
The iolite (cordierite) is a magnesium-iron-aluminosilicate. It was discovered in 1813 by Louis Cordier, a French geologist, near the village of Níjar in the province of Almería, Spain.
Chemical and physical properties of iolite:
Formula:
(Mg,Fe)2Al3(Si5AlO18)
Crystal system:
orthorombic
Category:
cyclosilicate
Color:
blue, violet, greenish, yellowish-brown, grey, colourless to very pale blue
Streak:
white
Transparency:
transparent- translucent
Cleavage:
good
Fracture:
conchoidal
Mohs scale hardeness:
7,0 – 7,5
Specific gravity:
2,57 – 2,66 g/cm³
Major metaphysical healing properties attributed to iolite:
Iolite helps build a strong body, freeing the body from fat deposits. It reduces the effects of alcohol and supports detoxification and liver regeneration. It soothes the effects of malaria and fever and kills bacteria. The iolite helps the pituitary gland, the paranasal sinuses and the respiratory system. Relieves migraines. Increases self-confidence, develops leadership competencies.
Zodiacs associated with iolite gemstones:
Iolite is the gemstone of the zodiac sign of Taurus, Libra and Sagittarius.
Click here to read about the general characteristics of horoscopes!
A part of our iolite jewelry offer. Click on the images for more details!
For more jewelry please click here!
Use of iolite
Precious stones are polished from better quality transparent minerals. In addition to the original cordierite name, the name "iolite" comes from the Greek word violet. This is mainly used for gemstones.
The color of the gemstone quality iolite varies from sapphire blue to blue violet to yellowish gray to light blue as the angle of light changes.
It was also called the “Sapphire” and the “Compass of the Vikings” because it was used by the Vikings to determine the direction of the sun on cloudy days, which works by determining the direction of polarization over the sky. (The light scattered by air molecules is polarized, and the direction of polarization is perpendicular to the line of the sun, even if the sun disk itself is covered by dense fog or lies just below the horizon.)
Automotive catalysts are usually made of ceramics that contain a high proportion of synthetic cordierite.
The main occurence of the iolite (cordierite)
India, Brazil, Norway.