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. It is told that the Viking mariners used very thin pieces of iolite as some of the world’s first polarizing filter. Looking through an iolite lens, they were able to determine the exact position of the sun, and to navigate safely to the new lands and back. It is the extreme pleochroism that made this stone so valuable to the Vikings as a ‘looking glass’.
Although this pleochroism may have proven helpful in navigational skills, it makes the gem cutters job quite difficult. Iolite has many colors in each direction within the crystal; a cube of Iolite will appear violet blue (much like a Sapphire) from one side and clear as water from the other, and a honey yellow from the top. If not cut properly, regardless the shape of the rough stone it’s color will not be shown to it’s best advantage.
Gold has been known to symbolize power and wealth since the beginning of time. For over a millennia, the grand monetary value that has been attached to gold has been reflected in coins, jewelry, figurines, porcelain, fabrics and many other items.
Gold is used to symbolize the purity and spiritual aspect of “The All” and “All That Is”, allowing one to be present and maintain communication with the source of all being.
Gold is said to increase the healing powers of stones when they are set in jewelry. They are known to create powerful amulets by attracting and maintaining the qualities that are inherent in the stone.
