Is Iolite the same as Sapphire?

Iolite – comes from the Greek word iol (purple) and is associated with the main (most valued) color of this mineral. Iolite has many names – “violet stone”, “water sapphire”, “lynx sapphire”, “false sapphire”, but all this is a blue transparent variety of the mineral cordierite. While ordinary cordierites are predominantly colorless and transparent, iolites are colored deep blue, usually with a violet tint. This translation fully characterizes this gem and indicates that iolites are often used as an imitation of sapphires, since these stones are very similar in appearance, with the only difference being that iolites are half the price. If ordinary iolite stands out because it has a deep blue color, then faceted iolite is notable for the fact that light, playing on the edges of iolite, forms sparks of the most varied shades, and it is this property that has made iolites quite a valuable gem, which is not a shame to put in an expensive frame. When cutting iolite to optimally reveal its color and trichroism, it is very important to take into account the direction of the crystallographic axes. Some iolites have a cat’s eye effect, but the blue color makes this cat’s eye look very unusual. Minerologists classify iolite stone as a type of complex aluminosilicate of magnesium and iron. Chemical formula of iolite – (Mg,Fe)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈. Hardness – 7-7,5 on the Mohs scale. Density – 2,7 g/cm3.

Place of Birth

Iolite is a fairly common gem that can be found on all continents of the world. In our country, iolite is mined in Primorye, Yakutia and the Kola Peninsula, since it is there that stones with a more saturated blue color and transparency are found. But the most expensive iolites are found in India, where iolites are mined on an industrial scale and they have such a color that if you put sapphire and iolite next to each other, you will hardly see the difference between these two stones. Jewelry-quality iolites are also mined in Burma (Myanmar), Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka (of alluvial origin), Brazil, Tanzania, Namibia, Madagascar and the USA.

Iolite jewelry and its prices

The main component of the cost of iolite is its rich blue color – the brighter it is, the higher the price of the stone. Stones with a grayish or watery tint are less valuable. Due to its resemblance to sapphires and the special play of light on its edges, iolite is widely used for making jewelry. Iolite goes well with noble metals, so you can find iolite products that were created using both silver and gold. The price of such products is relatively low. For example, a bracelet made of silver and iolite will cost you a hundred dollars, and gold earrings with an iolite stone will cost no more than one hundred and fifty dollars. Iolite looks very beautiful in various pendants and necklaces, especially if you choose the appropriate outfit for such decoration.

Magical properties

The stone has long been considered magical. Iolite, like its older brother, sapphire, is a stone of wisdom and power. Some believe that if you have a ring with iolite on your finger, you will be able to feel that they are telling you a lie, especially this property increases if rays of light intersect on the edges of the stone. In India, iolite is perceived as a source of life, so amulets with this stone are traditionally worn by priests, thereby giving the light of life to everyone with whom the priest communicates. The blue color of the stone symbolizes heaven, and as you know, gods live in heaven, so if you wear a ring with iolite on your finger, it means that you are wearing something divine. Iolite also has the ability to bring peace and tranquility to the family. The gem has positive energy, thanks to which it can extinguish emerging quarrels and conflicts. For people in love, iolite is a real salvation, as it is capable of kindling passionate feelings. The stone gives a person love and protects it. It protects husband and wife from adultery. Magicians recommend using the gem as a talisman, a talisman that will help in arranging a comfortable family life. Having iolite with you means arousing sympathy from the people around you, being authoritative among colleagues, and being on friendly terms with your superiors. For people for whom it is important to protect themselves from evil tongues and envious people, iolite will be an excellent protection. The gem will help in situations where there is no harmony of feelings and mind in a person. The stone will balance this state and make it possible to choose the only correct solution.

Medicinal properties

Disorders of the human nervous system and mental disorders of the body will be put in order thanks to iolite. Lithotherapists tend to agree on the medicinal qualities of the gem. They advise holding the stone in your hands and enjoying its beauty under the artificial rays of electric light. This must be done for 15 minutes and for each coming day. This will be the key to calming down and relieving nervous tension. The gem is especially suitable for a person suffering from insomnia. It must be placed under the pillow. Iolite looks beautiful in any product. But it has great healing power in jewelry made on silver. You can prepare a healing drink by placing silver jewelry with a stone in a cup filled with water and leaving it overnight. By drinking a medicinal liquid in the morning, you can recharge with incredible energy and a great mood for the whole day.

Interesting fact

In 1856, the famous Russian geologist Academician N.I. Koksharov presented the management with a report on the expedition to the Urals. Among the finds that pleased the scientist was iolite, a stone that appeared in Rus’ along with the Varangians, “Varangian” and nicknamed. The find did not have any particular practical significance, although the best iolite crystals were in demand not only among jewelers, but also among navigators. As in former times, ship navigators preferred to keep iolite plates on hand in order to confidently navigate the ocean even on a cloudy day. The most interesting thing is that the navigational skills of the legendary Leif Eriksson and the sailors of the relatively recent past are not forgotten today. Iolite filters are used in modern military aircraft. Pilots are trained to navigate in space in conditions of complete radio silence on the ground. Iolite helps to find the sun not only behind the clouds, but even beyond the horizon.

Signs of the zodiac

The gem will show its power to a greater extent for those people who were born under the signs of the zodiac: weights, Taurus, Sagittarius, Pisces, Aquarius. The stone will be a real talisman for them. It will help establish peace, both within a person and in his relationships with other people. Iolite, as an amulet, is suitable for people of various professions, especially surgeons and air traffic controllers. It will protect you from irreparable mistakes and show you the right path to solving various problems. Iolite is contraindicated for those born under the sign of Capricorn.

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Iolite stone is a variety of the mineral cordierite. Translated from Greek, its name is translated as “violet stone”. And this is no coincidence, since the color of the crystal varies between blue and purple. Thanks to these different shades, the mineral also received the following names: false or water sapphire, blue jade. It is precisely because of the iridescent shades that the gem is almost impossible to fake. In ancient times, the mineral served the Vikings as a compass. Navigators used iolite lenses to determine the position of the Sun and, in accordance with it, changed the course of the ship. The stone is still popular among northern peoples. Astrologers say that the mineral cordierite is suitable for the air signs of the zodiac – Libra, Gemini and Aquarius, and in addition, Sagittarius, Taurus and Pisces. However, representatives of other signs can also carry iolite with them. The purple mineral has special magical properties. It is believed that it is able to give its owner self-confidence, brings peace of mind, helps to cope with depressing thoughts and find a way out of any difficult situation. Those who want to cope with a difficult financial situation or increase capital also resort to the help of iolite. In addition, the mineral also protects against the evil eye. Astrologers advise every married couple to purchase a product made of water sapphire. The fact is that it has a positive effect on relationships within the family, prevents quarrels from flaring up, protects love and harmony, and helps maintain marital fidelity. Blue cordierite is also called the stone of the muses. It is believed that it influences a person’s creative abilities and helps him to reveal a new side. Constantly wearing a gem as a talisman allows you to cope with all troubles and overcome internal fears. The amulet also protects from all kinds of troubles, evil eyes and brings good luck. In addition, it can endow the owner with telepathic abilities, but only if worn constantly.

The healing properties of the stone

In addition to its magical properties, iolite is also known for its healing abilities. Lithotherapists claim that the gem can cure even the most severe nervous diseases. It is enough to look at a stone under the sun’s rays for 15 minutes a day, and nervous tension will go away. False sapphire helps fight insomnia. It is recommended to leave a stone at the head of the bed every night. Within a week, your sleep should improve. The mineral also has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses the liver and the entire body, and enhances the growth of hair and nails. With its help they fight alcohol addiction. Lithotherapists recommend constantly wearing an amulet with iolite for those who suffer from severe headaches and migraines. The mineral dulls pain. To improve your mood and invigorate your spirit, you can drink water charged with water sapphire. To do this, place a gem in a silver frame in a glass of liquid and leave it overnight. In the morning, immediately after waking up, you should drink water on an empty stomach. As stated, the whole day will pass on a positive note. It is known that the purple stone is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Therefore, it will become a talisman for any person, regardless of their zodiac sign. By the way, oneirologists note that if you see a blue gem in a dream, then the tormenting problem will be resolved in an unexpected way.