Iolite...

Iolite is a great violet blue stone that can be worn casually or dressed up. It has a rich history. Iolite is said to have been used by Viking explorers as the world's first polarizing filter to help determine their location. By looking through the iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun. This would allow them to navigate around safely.

Iolite used to be called "water sapphire" due to its different colors. If you look at an iolite piece cut into the shape of a cube, you will see 3 different colors depending on which side you look at. Violet blue, almost like sapphire, clear like water and honey yellow. Although it sounds cool to see all of those colors, it is actually a stone that needs to be cut just right to show its violet blue color. The bluer it is, the more expensive it is.

Iolite is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozamnique, Zimbabwe and Brazil. However it is said that the Vikings probably mined theirs in Norway and Greenland.

This piece shown is made with the gorgeous iolite, freshwater pearls and sterling silver. The clasp is a toggle clasp with iolite.