Cordierite (Iolite)

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Marketed as iolite, cordierite is a magnesium iron aluminum silicate famous for exceptionally strong trichroism, appearing deep violet-blue, pale yellow, and near-colorless when viewed along its three crystallographic axes. That property earned it the old name water sapphire and a role as a navigational aid, since Vikings may have used it to locate the sun through cloud. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and measures 7.0 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. The finest gem material comes from Sri Lanka, India, and Tanzania, yielding medium to dark violet-blue stones at accessible prices, so this moderately priced semi-precious gem endures as an underappreciated alternative to blue sapphire.

Physical & Optical Properties

Mohs Hardness 7.0 – 7.5
Specific Gravity 2.56 – 2.66
Refractive Index 1.542 – 1.578
Crystal System Orthorhombic
Luster Vitreous,Greasy
Cleavage Good
Fracture Uneven,Conchoidal
Color various
Birefringence 0.008
Dispersion 0.017
Pleochroism Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish - pale blue - dark (violet)-blue

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 7.0 – 7.5
1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

a b c Orthorhombic a ≠ b ≠ c, α = β = γ = 90°

Value & Market

Price Tier Moderate ($50-500/ct)

About Cordierite (Iolite)

이올라이트(아이올라이트, 근청석)는 마그네슘-철 알루미늄 규산염 광물로, 강한 삼색성(三色性)으로 유명합니다. 방향에 따라 짙은 청자색, 연한 황색, 거의 무색으로 보이며, 이 특성 덕분에 바이킹 항해자들이 태양 나침반으로 사용했다고 전해져 '바이킹 나침반 돌'이라고도 불립니다. 스리랑카, 인도, 미얀마 등이 주요 산지이며, 아름다운 청자색이 매력적입니다.

Jewelry Use

Durability 7/10

Suitable for daily wear

Science FYI Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cordierite (Iolite)?
이올라이트(아이올라이트, 근청석)는 마그네슘-철 알루미늄 규산염 광물로, 강한 삼색성(三色性)으로 유명합니다. 방향에 따라 짙은 청자색, 연한 황색, 거의 무색으로 보이며, 이 특성 덕분에 바이킹 항해자들이 태양 나침반으로 사용했다고 전해져 '바이킹 나침반 돌'이라고도 불립니다. 스리랑카, 인도, 미얀마 등이 주요 산지이며, 아름다운 청자색이 매력적입니다.
What is the hardness of Cordierite (Iolite)?
Cordierite (Iolite) has a Mohs hardness of 7.0 to 7.5, making it excellent for use in jewelry.
What color is Cordierite (Iolite)?
Cordierite (Iolite) is primarily Various.
How much does Cordierite (Iolite) cost?
Cordierite (Iolite) falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Cordierite (Iolite)?
Cordierite (Iolite) belongs to the Orthorhombic crystal system.

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