Iolite has been known as water sapphire due to its violet blue color similar to blue sapphire when cut. Iolite can easily be differentiated from the other stones on the basis of its strong pleochroism, which is visible even without a dichroscope due to which it is also known as “dichroite”. The best blue color can be seen down the length of crystals and when it is viewed across it appears colorless.

Locations:

Top quality iolite is found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India and Burma. Other localities are Namibia and Tanzania.

Chemical Composition: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
Hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.63
Refractive Index: 1.53-1.55
Colors: Light blue to deep violet blue.
Luster: Vitreous

Astrological Relevance:

Iolite is considered as one of the birthstones for the zodiac sign of Virgo (August 22 To September 22).