Iolite
About Iolite
Iolite is a violet-blue gemstone displaying strong pleochroism - showing different colors when viewed from different angles. Known as the 'Viking's Compass,' this visionary stone was used by Norse navigators to find the sun on cloudy days, making it a powerful crystal for finding your true direction in life.
Crystal Properties
- Mohs Hardness: 7-7.5
- Chemical Composition: (Mg,Fe)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈ (Magnesium Iron Aluminum Silicate)
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Colour: Violet-blue, sapphire blue (pleochroic)
- Chakra: Third Eye Chakra, Crown Chakra
- Element: Water, Air
Metaphysical Properties
Known as a stone of vision and direction, Iolite activates the third eye and facilitates visualization and intuitive insight. It's particularly valued for helping you find your true path, enhancing spiritual journeys, and releasing discord from your life. Many use Iolite to access inner knowing, navigate life transitions, and trust their intuition when making important decisions.
How to Use Iolite
Meditate with Iolite on your third eye to enhance vision and intuition, carry it when facing important decisions to access inner guidance, wear it during times of transition to find your true path, or use it in shamanic journeying. Its compass-like energy makes it perfect for finding direction and purpose.
Caring for Your Iolite
- Cleansing: Water-safe for brief periods. Cleanse with running water, sound bowls, sage smoke, or moonlight. Avoid prolonged soaking.
- Charging: Moonlight preferred. Brief sunlight is okay. Place on selenite or use sound.
- Storage: Durable at Mohs 7-7.5, but store separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.
- Durability: Can be brittle and may cleave. Handle with care and avoid impacts.
Where Iolite is Found
Iolite (also called cordierite) forms in metamorphic rocks subjected to high temperatures and pressures. The pleochroism is caused by the crystal structure absorbing light differently along different axes.
Major deposits: India (finest quality), Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, Myanmar, and Tanzania.
Indian Iolite is considered the finest, displaying rich violet-blue color with strong pleochroism.
Iolite Through History
Iolite's most famous historical use was by Viking navigators who used thin slices as a polarizing filter to locate the sun on cloudy days, allowing them to navigate accurately. This earned it the name 'Viking's Compass.'
The name comes from the Greek 'ios' meaning violet. Ancient shamans and seers used Iolite to enhance visions and access spiritual realms. Today, it's valued for its unique optical properties and powerful abilities to provide direction and enhance intuition.
Astrological Connections
- Zodiac: Sagittarius (primary), also Libra and Taurus
- Planetary: Jupiter and Saturn
- Birth Stone: September (alternative birthstone)
- Numerology: Number 7 (spiritual wisdom and inner knowing)
Crystals That Pair Well With Iolite
Iolite works powerfully with other vision and intuition stones:
- Amethyst + Iolite for enhanced spiritual vision
- Lapis Lazuli + Iolite for wisdom and direction
- Sodalite + Iolite for clarity and truth
- Labradorite + Iolite for transformation and vision
- Sapphire + Iolite for wisdom and insight
Explore Related Crystals
Similar Vision & Direction Stones:
- Labradorite - Transformation and magic
- Azurite - Psychic vision
- Kyanite - Alignment and truth
- Tanzanite - Spiritual awareness
✨ Complete Your Crystal Collection
This crystal is featured in our True North Crystal Intention Set - a hand-curated collection of five mystical stones designed to awaken your inner truth, strengthen spiritual awareness, and guide you toward clarity and wisdom.
The True North Set includes: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Clear Quartz, Sodalite, and Iolite