Iolite

`'I&o-"lIt`

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General Gemstone Details

Legend tells us that when Leif Eriksson and the other legendary Viking explorers ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, moving away from any coastline that could help them determine their position, they had 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 were able to determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate safely to the new world and back.

The property that made iolite so valuable to the Vikings is extreme pleochroism. Iolite has different colors in different directions within the crystal. A cube cut from iolite will look a violet-ish blue almost like sapphire from one side, clear as water from the other, and a honey yellow from the top. This property led some people to call iolite "water sapphire" in the past, a name that is now obsolete.

Although, pleochroism may have been helpful in navigation,it makes things quite difficult for a gem cutter. If iolite is not cut from exactly the right direction, no matter the shape of the rough, its color will not show to its best advantage.

A few Iolite items that may currently be available in our store....

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Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 7 with a orthorhombic crystal structure.

Violet-blue iolite (also called cordierite) can be recognized by its strong pleochroism, which gives the gem it's other name of dichroite. The best blue color is seen down the length of the prismatic crystals; they appear colorless when viewed across.

The name iolite comes from the Greek ios, which means violet. Iolite is usually a purplish blue when cut properly, with a softness to the color that can be quite attractive.

Iolite is readily available and surprisingly affordable. The better and richer the blue, the better. It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and Greenland.

Iolite is relatively hard but should be protected from blows. With its attractive color and reasonable price, it may become a jewelry staple in the future.

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Mystical Properties:
As it's soft and gentle nature, iolite is used to help us connect with our souls. It will help us to understand who we are and why we are on the planet at this particular time...use this stone for guidance in difficult areas of your life.

What is most unique about working with Iolite is the sense of protection you feel whilst delving into the deepest levels of your self, the comfort and calm it affords you. Iolite gives unconditionally, allow the positive energies of this stone to come into your life.

Iolite is one of the best stones to use in psychic, healing, and spiritual activities. It can open one to psychic talents and expand them as well.

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More Healing Information

Healing Properties:
Iolite is very helpful when dealing with addictions, including alcoholism. It assists in detoxification as well as maintaining sobriety. As well, Iolite is also said to help build relationships whether they be new or old.

In the physical realm, iolite is used to help heal sore throat, varicose veins, and blisters, it is also told to aid in diminishing headaches and strengthen the entire system, promoting health on all levels.

Iolite is considered a very strong "Shaman" stone, and can stimulate visions.

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Magical Properties:
Energy: Not Noted
Element: Water
Powers: Not Noted

More information on this stone and it's uses in magic would be greatly appreciated. Please contact us at webmistress@shimmerlings.com Thank you.

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Zodiac:
Associations: Not Noted

Not a Traditional Birthstone for any Month

Stone of Aquarius, to dream of iolite means to anticipate an unusual or unexpected solution of to difficult problem.

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More Chakra Info

More Kundalini Info

Chakra Classification:
Iolite activates the 6th, or Third Eye/Brow Chakra , as well as clairvoyant visions. It bestows a resonance of gentleness and inner knowing that soothes the mental body and balances the outer layer of the aura. It is a wonderful stone to use on the Third Eye as well as the 7th, or Crown Chakra .

This stone may be placed directly on the throat or forehead for direct chakra healing.

Work with iolite to release discord and addiction, support understanding and expression of your true self as well as to grow spiritually in a gentle and loving fashion.

Information Sources:
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, 2003
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD, 2000
Crystal Enchantments by D.J. Conway, 1999
Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones by Cally Hall, 1994
Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham, 2002
Chakra Healing & Karmic Awareness by Keith Sherwood, 2005
The Illustrated Directory of Crystal Healing by Cassandra Eason, 2003
Healing Crystals and Gemstones by Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, Gisela Schrieber, 2002

The information here is presented to you to use as you see fit, but is not to take the place of professional medical advice. Crystals, Gemstones and Metal can accent, help, negate, protect, encourage, strengthen, and balance and thereby promote healing. Their effects can be extraordinary, but use in addition to medical advice, and not as a substitute for proper care. If you are ill, we beseech you to seek professional medical attention from a qualified physician.