Northern Territory Iolites

COMMENTS

These four light violet iolites are bright and lively. They range from eye clean to slightly included in clarity and have not been treated in any way. Iolite's eye visible pleochroism means that it displays three colours depending on the viewing angle – light violet, dark violet and yellow-brown colours.

Today, the world’s major sources of iolite include Sri Lanka, Africa, India and Brazil. Australia’s Northern Territory is a very minor source which makes the crystals fossicked and mined there quite special.

DURABILITY

Iolite is the gem variety of Cordierite. It rates 7 to 7.5 on Mohs hardness scale but because it has distinct cleavage in one direction, its toughness is only fair. This makes iolite vulnerable to breakage when set in a ring or other setting exposed to rough daily wear. It is vulnerable to sharp blows and if it’s exposed to high heat or sudden temperature changes this can cause breaks. For these reasons it is suitable for occasional wear rings, daily wear rings with protective settings, or would be perfect as a specimen for your growing gem collection.