Iolite’s most desirable colors are in the violetish blue to fine blue range. Properly oriented inclusions can cause cat’s-eyes and aventuresence. Iolite is most often faceted, as this cutting style serves to highlight its fine transparency. Fine-quality faceted iolites over five carats are relatively rare in the market.

From some angles, then, a bluish iolite can actually appear completely colorless or yellow, and a violetish iolite can look brown. Iolites are usually cut as faceted gems, but they are also frequently cut into cabochons.

This Iolite gemstone guide lists qualities of the Iolite gem type, including stone colors, common names, meanings, gemstone hardness and more.

What Color is Iolite gemstone? A valuable piece of Iolite will have a soft, saturated violet-blue color. Less valuable gems have a faded purple color, and at the lowest end of the scale, Iolite can be nearly white or transparent.

Iolite is the gem variety of the mineral Cordierite. It describes the transparent to translucent form of Cordierite, and it has recently become a popular gemstone. Iolite can be light to deep blue, and usually has a purplish tinge to it. Deeper colored stones are more valuable.

Creating a color grading chart for Iolite involves assessing the gemstone based on its hue, tone, and saturation. Iolite’s color typically ranges from a light to deep violet-blue, with the most desirable stones exhibiting vivid, saturated hues.

Iolite, often referred to as "the Viking's Sapphire," is a striking gemstone known for its rich, violet-blue hues and remarkable pleochroism, which allows it to display different colors when viewed from different angles.

Jan 3, 2023 · The IGS iolite value listing has price guidelines for top-color cut stones and cabochons as well as for colorless gems. Color Iolite, from the Greek for “violet stone,” is most valuable with a slightly violet-blue face-up color.

Mar 27, 2019 · Iolite is a silicate of magnesium and aluminum. Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘ios’, which means violet, and pertains to the gemstone’s violet color. However, there are some Iolite stones that are lavender, clear blue, or deep blue in color.

Iolite shows extreme pleochroism, appearing sapphire blue, violet-blue, and clear gray-yellow when viewed from different directions. This strong directional color change is iolite's most distinctive feature and affects its cutting orientation. Are …