Iolite (Cordierite)

Iolite, also known as cordierite, is an elegant natural gemstone appreciated in fine jewelry. It was first described in 1813 by the French mineralogist Louis Cordier.

This gemstone is known for its color-shifting effect depending on the viewing angle, a phenomenon called pleochroism. Its hues range from violet-blue to grey tones.

With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, iolite is durable enough for jewelry settings. It is suitable both for fine jewelry creation and gemstone collecting.

Origins: Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, Myanmar, Brazil.