Iolite Gemstone | Iolite Stone

Iolite

According to legend, Vikings used iolite slices to reduce glare when checking the sun’s position.

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BUYER'S GUIDE

Iolite’s most valuable color is a beautiful, saturated violet to blue. Unless inclusions cause phenomena such as aventurescence or chatoyancy, their presence makes iolite less valuable.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Iolite’s violet-to-blue color makes it a possible alternative to tanzanite or sapphire. – Bart Curren, courtesy Tim Roark Imports

Vivid violet to blue are iolite’s best and most valued colors. It is highly pleochroic, so a cutter must orient the cut of the stone carefully so the best color shows through the gem’s table. Commercial-quality iolite often has a grayish color component.

Generally, eye-clean iolite is most valuable, but the presence of certain types of inclusions in the proper orientation can result in cat’s-eye or aventurescent gems. Phenomenal iolite is rare and coveted by collectors

Fashioned, transparent iolite usually contains very few inclusions. It can even be eye-clean. - Nicholas Del Re, courtesy Anil B. Dholakia, Adris Oriental Gem and Art Corp.

Because it is usually transparent and relatively free of inclusions, iolite is often faceted in the step-cut style. - Mike Havstad

Iolite is strongly pleochroic and has one direction of perfect cleavage. These properties can pose challenges during the fashioning process. A skilled cutter can bring out all the beauty iolite has to offer.

Fashioned iolites that weigh from 1 to 10 carats can be found on the market. However, fine faceted iolites over 5 carats are somewhat rare.

This iolite is unusual for its quality and size. It weighs 18.90 carats. Fine iolite over 5 carats is relatively rare.

Iolite Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide

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VIEW SAMPLE REPORT ABOUT IDENTIFICATION REPORTS ANALYSIS & GRADING

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q
WHY ISN’T IOLITE AS POPULAR AS TANZANITE?
A
Iolite is found all over the globe, but it’s not as widely recognized as tanzanite. Some experts believe that jewelry designers and retailers don’t see a consistent enough supply of fine-quality iolite to feel confident about ordering a large selection for use in jewelry lines.
Q
I UNDERSTAND IOLITE CLEAVES. IS IT TOUGH ENOUGH FOR RINGS?
A
Iolite is less durable than gems like diamond or sapphire. Because it is vulnerable to sharp blows, wearing an iolite ring during sports or at the gym isn’t recommended. However, with proper care and attention, many people wear iolite rings for years without any issues.
Q
Does GIA grade iolite?
A
GIA evaluates iolite but does not grade it. A GIA Colored Stone Identification Report assesses the characteristics of a mounted or loose colored stone (weight, measurements, shape, cutting style and color), indicates whether it is natural or laboratory-grown and names any detectable treatments.