| Also
called Dichroite, Iolite is a blue
silicate mineral that occurs as
crystals or grains in igneous rocks,
only as a result of contamination
of the magma by aluminous sediment.
When clean, blue iolite is sometimes
cut as a gem; the stones from the
gem gravels of Sri Lanka have been
called water sapphires. Iolite has
enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity
due to its affordability and similarity
to tanzanite and sapphire at a much
lower price. |
| Gemological
Information |
| Color
: |
Violet,
Blue, Dark Blue, |
| Refractive
Index: |
1.53
- 1.55 |
| Chemical
Composition: |
MG2AL4SI5O18 |
| Hardness: |
7
- 7.5 |
| Density: |
2.57
- 2.66 |
| Crystal
Group: |
Orthorhombic |
| Ocurrence: |
Sri
Lanka, Burma, India, Tsivory-Madagascar,
Canada, Namibia, Tanzania, Norway,
U.S.A., Brazil |
| Tsavorites
are relatively hard so they polish
well. Like all garnets, they are
singly refractive and as a result
can be especially brilliant. Suitable
in any kind of jewelry tsavorites
offer excellent value and utility
at a price more affordable than
emeralds, especially in smaller
sizes. Clean stones over 10cts.
in size are extremely rare and much
more expensive.
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