Iolite: benefits, origins and properties

Iolite, with its subtle blue-violet hues and enigmatic sparkle, has long enchanted with its singular beauty. Not only does this natural stone enhance your DIY jewelry creations with incomparable elegance, it is also recognized in lithotherapy for its soothing and balancing properties.

Use our iolite beads to design unique costume jewelry and get inspired by our natural stone jewelry tutorials.

What does iolite mean?

The name of this gemstone comes from the Greek word "ios", meaning "purple", in reference to its color.
Iolite is known by many other names, such as Water Sapphire (today this name is banned) or Viking Stone.

In 1809, French gemologist Louis Cordier renamed it dichroite. The name refers to the stone's dichroism, i.e. its ability to show two different colors when viewed from different angles.
In 1813, mineralogist Lucas renamed it cordierite in tribute to Louis Cordier.

The origin of iolite

Iolite's nickname of "Viking stone" comes from the legend that Scandinavian navigators used it as a natural "compass" to navigate at sea. The stone's light-polarizing properties enabled them to locate the sun's position even on cloudy days.

The largest cut specimen is currently on display at the British Museum. Exceptionally large, it weighs 855 carats.

What color is iolite?

Iolite ranges in color from blue-violet, colorless, grayish, pale blue and yellow. It is transparent to translucent, with a vitreous sheen.

What are iolite's properties?

It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and a density of between 2.55 and 2.75 g/cm³.

Where is iolite found?

The main deposits of this violet-blue stone are found in Sri Lanka, India, Burma and Madagascar, in Brazil.

What are iolite's virtues?

In lithotherapy, this natural stone is recognized for its soothing and balancing properties. It is said to stimulate intuition and clairvoyance, helping to free the mind of blockages and promote better self-understanding.
It is also said to act on stress, anxiety and strong emotions.

Iolite is particularly linked to the third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows. By helping to open this chakra during meditation, it enables a better connection with intuition and inner wisdom.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are not a substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge Iolite?

Over time, natural stones gradually lose their energetic potential. That's why we recommend purifying and recharging them regularly.
To purify this gemstone, we recommend running it under clear water or soaking it in a bowl of distilled water. Avoid salt water, as it may damage the stone.
To recharge, expose it to moonlight for several hours, preferably during a full moon. The soft moonlight is ideal for restoring your stone's vibrant energy.

How to wear iolite

The cool color of 925 sterling silver and stainless steel perfectly enhances the bluish hues of this gemstone, while adding a touch of refinement.

What stone to match iolite with? Lithotherapists recommend pairing it with a moonstone to strengthen its link with intuition, or with an amethyst to accentuate its soothing properties.
On the other hand, they advise against wearing it with overly intense energy stones such as citrine orgarnet.