Iolite Properties

General

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Stone of Painless Spiritual Responsibility

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.

Scientific Gemstone Properties

Mohs Hardness of 7 with a orthorhombic crystal structure.

Iolite is a lovely violet/blue color and is also referred to as Cordierite, Dichroite, and Indialite. It is dichroic, meaning that it appears full of color in one direction and completely colorless in another.

The name Iolite is initially derived 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 soothing as well as attractive.

It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings likely mined Iolite from deposits in Norway and/or Greenland.

Metaphysical Gemstone Properties

Told to produce joy and laughter, as well as unexpected and inspired solutions to problems that may have eluded one’s logical portion of the mind.

As it’s soft and gentle nature, Iolite is used to help one connect with the soul. It will help one 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 one’s life.

What is most unique about working with Iolite is the sense of protection one feels whilst delving into the deepest levels of oneself. The comfort and calm it affords is quite fascinating.  Iolite gives unconditionally, allow the positive energies of this stone to come into one’s life without question or blockage.

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. Assisting one to express one’s True Self, free from the expectations from others. Emotionally releasing discord within relationships, and encouraging one to take responsibility for oneself, it may assist in overcoming codependency within many types of partnerships.

Healing Gemstone Properties

Iolite is said to be quite helpful when dealing with addictions of all kinds including alcoholism, assisting in the detoxification as well as maintaining sobriety.  Conversely it is also said to grant the ability to consume alcohol without exhibiting the effects.

Physically, Iolite is used to assist in healing sore throats, diminishing headaches, and prevention of insomnia. Told to improve brain function and the efficiency of the metabolism.

Magical Gemstone Properties

Energy: Receptive
Element: Water
Planet: Jupiter
Deities: Mother Goddess & Jupiter
Powers: Visions, Power, Truth 
Candle Color: Lilac

Iolite has long been a powerful shamanic stone, used in healing ceremonies to influence and call to the spirits. Often an Iolite ring was worn by the Shaman to ensure accuracy within the vision.  Iolite performs quite well in casts/spells regarding elimination of debt.

Iolite should be cleansed at least once a week under warm running water, then recharged among rock crystals, in natural light if possible – but not for more than one hour.

Zodiac Gemstone Properties

Zodiac Stone of: Libra, Sagittarius & Taurus

Associations: Jupiter

Birthstone: Not a Traditional or Modern Birthstone for any month, but it is the Anniversary Stone for the 21st year.

To dream of the Iolite may mean that one should anticipate an unexpected or unusual solution to a difficult situation.

Chakra Gemstone Properties

Iolite is a vision stone, activating the 6th, Third Eye/Brow Chakra, facilitating clairvoyant visions, and intuitive insight when all of the Chakras have been properly aligned.

It bestows a resonance of gentleness and inner knowing that soothes the mental body and balances the outer layer of the aura.