Iolite gem stone rough in fine quality facet grade is
still another of the highly desirable gems found in Madagascar. We are proud to
offer fine beryl rough to you.
Iolite
gem stone rough in flawless and near-flawless crystals are being
mined in Madagascar today.
The name iolite comes from the Greek
'ion', which means violet. Iolite is usually a violetish blue when cut
properly, with an attractive softness to the color. Iolite was once known
as "water sapphire" because of this color.
Iolite was used in ancient times as an aid to
navigation... a polarizing filter. This was possible because of iolite's
very strong pleochroism.
You can now buy Madagascar gem rough
in quantity directly from a strong source in Madagascar... from our USA
office.
You can avoid the export and import problems and fees.
Until Madagascar Gems began selling
high-grade rough gem stones on the internet, the only way to get good
Madagascar iolite was to go there.
It is the gem variety of the mineral cordierite,
and is gaining acceptance as a substitute for tanzanite.
Iolite (and other) gem stone rough prices are based on
what we must pay to the miners. The price we will pay the miners depends
on the customary variables of quality, color, size of the pieces, and availability
of quality rough.
Please use the email link below to
query us regarding prices and availability. Please inform us of:
Your affiliation in the gem trade
The
size and quantity
that you contemplate buying
.
Iolite properties:
Hardness:
7-7.5
Refractive
index: 1.53-1.55
Critical
angle: 40°
Specific
gravity: 2.58-2.66
Cleavage:
Distinct in 3 directions.
Fracture:
Uneven, conchoidal, brittle.
Dispersion:
Medium (.017)
Heat
sensitivity: Low
Pleochroism:
Trichroic – very strong (yellow to dark blue-violet to
pale-blue).
Birefringence
(double refraction): Weak to medium (.008-.012)
Iolite properties: