
18k White Gold Iolite & Diamond Earrings
Deco Earrings
EW-0903-BLT
POA
Iolite is a mesmerizing optical treasure that shifts dramatically across an extraordinary spectrum of velvety violet blues, honey yellows and water-clear tones. At Tivon Fine Jewellery, we inspect only the top 5% of loose natural crystals from this cordierite family to ensure each specimen displays an intense pleochroic shifting properties alongside maximum internal brilliance. Derived from the historic Greek word meaning violet, this remarkably robust crystal served as a legendary secret weapon for early Viking mariners who utilized thin slices as a polarizing filter to safely navigate vast oceans. Read below to explore the unique Indian and African geography, fascinating maritime history and core value factors behind this striking collector gemstone.
Iolite has different colours in different directions due to its pleochroistic properties. It may look a violet blue from one side, clear as water from the other and a honey yellow from yet another. Iolite is usually a purplish blue when cut properly.
The name Iolits derives from the Greek “Ios”, which means “violet”.
Iolite is said to bring good luck, spiritual and physical well-being.
Iolite belongs to the Cordierite family of gemstones.
Iolite represents the 21st wedding anniversary (Modern).
Iolite is 7.0-7.5 on Moh’s Scale and therefore has a robust structure.
The finest Iolite comes from India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Brazil.
Leif Eriksson and the other legendary Viking explorers ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, away from any coastline that could help them determine position. They did so with a secret gem weapon: Iolite. The Viking mariners used thin pieces of iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an Iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun and navigate safely to the new world and back.
Due to its hardness, cleaning Iolite is not an issue.
Iolite's value factors are its intensity of colour, its brilliance and the "life" of the stone as well as size.