J. Frank Golden & Assoc.

Colored Stones : Stones A-L | Stones M-Z

-Iolite is rated 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale.

-Look for the best cut pieces to fully appreciate iolite’s pale blue color.

-Pleochroism is quite prominent in iolite, so avoid sharp blows.

-Iolite is a good candidate for increased popularity in years to come.

Although iolite is not a well-known stone, its hardness—a 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale—availability and pretty, pale-blue color may lend to increasing popularity in years to come. Until that time, iolite, which is gem-quality cordierite, remains a lovely gemstone choice for people looking for something out of the ordinary. One interesting characteristic of iolite is its pleochroism. This relates to the different colors that occur in different directions of the crystal. This quality makes the work of cutting iolite somewhat tricky. Look for the best-cut pieces with good, light blue color.

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