Natural Iolite 5.96 carat

Natural iolite is a beautiful, transparent gemstone that comes in shades ranging from deep violet-blue to light blue-gray, resembling sapphire in its color but with a unique, subtle pleochroism (color shift) effect. This means it can show different colors from different angles—often a blend of blue, gray, and a hint of yellow or brown. Its name derives from the Greek word “ios,” meaning violet.

Iolite, also known as “cordierite” in mineralogy, has a Mohs hardness of around 7 to 7.5, making it durable for jewelry, though it still requires care to prevent scratches or damage. Most iolite comes from countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, but it can also be found in Brazil, Myanmar, and some parts of the United States.