Iolite is a beautiful violet blue gemstone whose name is derived from the Greek word “ios” which means violet. Because of its soft, almost liquid color it is often mistaken for sapphire.

Iolite is pleochroic, which means that it transmits light differently in different directions in the crystal, similar to a polarizing filter in a camera. Ancient Viking navigators looked through thin slices of Iolite to filter out haze, mist and clouds to locate the exact position of the sun. Although iolite has been found in Norway and Greenland, it primarily comes from India and East Africa.

Iolite has become the accepted anniversary gemstone for the twenty-first year of marriage. To maintain its brilliance, clean in jewelry cleaner or lukewarm soapy water; do not use a home ultrasonic cleaner.