◂ BACK TO GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA

Iolite

According to legend, Vikings used iolite slices to reduce glare when checking the sun’s position.

Iolite
See Gem As

Research

Iolite Description

This silicate of aluminum, iron, and magnesium has two distinctive features—a beautiful, violetish blue through slightly violetish blue hue derived from iron and a striking, eye-visible pleochroism.

Read more

Iolite History and Lore

Iolite has a long history of use as an adornment and possibly as a navigation tool.

Read more

Iolite Care and Cleaning

Learn about iolite's durability and how to care for your iolite jewelry.

Read more

Iolite Quality Factors

Learn about the factors that make iolite so desirable.

Read more

Iolite from the Thor-Odin Dome, British Columbia, Canada: Geology, Chemical Composition, Inclusions, and Cause of Chatoyancy

Reports on the geological setting and gemological properties of violet-blue gem cordierite from new deposits located in British Columbia.

Read more

A Prospectors’ Guide Map to the Gem Deposits of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is world famous for its gem wealth, but the actual extent of the deposits has never been determined.

Read more

Sri Lanka: The Gem Island

An overview of the many types of gem-quality material, and its inclusions, currently found in Sri Lanka.

Read more

You Might Also Like

YMAL AJP
AJP®: New 5-Day Program Offered Worldwide
Learn About NextGem
GIA NextGem™ Diamond Training for Retail
Explore GIA Laboratory Promotional Offers
Explore GIA Laboratory Promotional Offers
Shop the GIA Store
Shop the GIA Store