Iolite

iolite gemstone in vivid blue

Iolite is commonly known as “water sapphire”, because it is a strong blue/violet stone and can look very similar to a sapphire. What is very specific to Iolite is that it is has very strong “pleochroism” – meaning it can appear to be different colours when viewed at different angles. Iolite can appear almost colourless from one angle through to dark “ink” blue from another angle. This must be taken into consideration when cutting. Main deposits are found in the Far East.