Iolite Healing Properties
Iolite is a violet blue to purple gemstone that has the unusual property of being different colors from 3 different axes (pleochroic). Its scientific name is Cordierite but is also referred to as a Water Sapphire. Its hardness makes it a beautiful and durable gemstone.
Mystical Properties:Because Iolite changes colors in certain directions, it can be used as compass. It is believed ancient Norsemen used the stone to guide them on sea voyages. Iolite is bluest 90 degrees from the sun and so can serve as a crude compass.
A major gemstone of the 3rd Eye or 6th Chakra, Iolite is used to aid in astral travel and attaining deep trances. Placing the gemstone on the 3rd eye area is thought to improve psychic abilities.
Considered an important Shamanic healing gemstone, thought to bring accurate visions and align spirits with the desired purpose.
Thought to bring balance to male/female energies and auric fields.
Thought to help people face and deal with changes in their life, easily, without the associated worry.
Considered a Western Astrological sign of gemstone of Libra, Sagittarius and Taurus.
Thought to be energizing to athletes and to help discern truth at the heart level.
Healing Properties: Thought to help the body release toxins, therefore important for the liver.
Scientific Properties: Composed of Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, it is found in schists or low-grade metamorphic rocks. It is easily identifiable by its pleochroism and by the fact it is the only purple mineral found in this environment.
This mineral is pleochroic, or changes color along 3 axes when rotated. It is generally yellow along the x-axis, darker blue/violet/gray along the y-axis and the z-axis is generally a lighter, clearer blue.
Gem quality Iolite is found in India, Germany, Norway and Madagascar as well as Alaska and Connecticut in the U.S.
Hardness: 7-7.5 on the Moh's Hardness Scale