Discover Iolite crystal meaning, from its geological facts to its metaphysical healing properties. This little-known gemstone is a valuable addition to your collection.
Although this stone flies under the radar, Iolite boasts some of the world's most beautiful blue hues. Pulsing with your Third Eye chakra, this crystal is ready to activate your intuition and take your vibration to new heights.
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What is Iolite?
Iolite is a violet-blue, semi-precious gemstone colored by iron inclusions. Chemically, it is a Magnesium Iron Aluminum cyclosilicate. You may find Hematite, Apatite, Magnetite, Mica, or Rutile inclusions in your Iolite.
One of Iolite's distinct features is its pleochroism, which shifts the stone's colors depending on the source of light and the angle at which it is viewed. The same stone can look yellow in one angle, but a dark blue from another.
Where does Iolite get its name?
Iolite gets its name from the Greek word iodes meaning violet.
What are the benefits of Iolite?
You may benefit from Iolite crystals if you can relate to any of the following:
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You are working toward financial freedom
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You want to strengthen your Third Eye chakra
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You seek a fulfilling lifestyle
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You are ready to take action toward manifesting your goals
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You need to release your poverty mindset
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You want an affordable alternative to Blue Sapphire
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You are rounding out your collection of abundance stones
- You seek a Stone of Vision
Find your perfect pieces in the Satin Crystals Iolite Collection.
What is the metaphysical meaning of Iolite?
Metaphysically, Iolite is known for its energy of financial freedom. Unlike other abundance stones which focus on drawing in all kinds of prosperity, Iolite helps you focus on financial stability, slowly growing your wealth, and pragmatic spending. It is your even-keeled advisor, keeping you mentally balanced with your eye on the long-term prize.
Besides being a stone of financial focus, Iolite is also connected with your intuition. At the Third Eye chakra, this indigo-blue stone calms your thoughts and allows you to hear the answers from your subconscious mind. Bypassing the anxious ego, the subconscious is where your true answers lie. Iolite can help you access this.
How do I use Iolite in healing?
There are many ways you can use Iolite in crystal healing. Here are a few ways to get you started. Know more? Share them with the Satin Crystals community!
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Place Iolite pyramids in your Money Corner to convert spiritual abundance to material riches.
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Hold Iolite spheres during your money meditations.
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Generously gift Iolite hearts to those who deserve it, and see the return of abundance flow back to you.
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Create a nest of financial stability with Iolite eggs wherever you deal with bills, checks, and money - in your office, at your cash register, at your desk, etc.
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Use an Iolite pendulum to get answers from your Third Eye chakra.
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Direct Iolite's energies through the tip of an Iolite wand to clear low energies from your spaces and fill them with high vibrations.
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Grid your space with raw Iolite stones to create a net of financial abundance.
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Rub Iolite polished stones when you are feeling overwhelmed with finances.
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Carry Iolite tumbled stones in your purse, wallet, or with your phone to remain financially stable.
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Release physical tension with Iolite massage wands.
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Squeeze Iolite when your mind is overwhelmed with frantic thoughts and feel your energy calm.
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Place an Iolite stone at your Third Eye during visualization exercises.
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Put Iolite tumbled stones under your pillow or at your bedstand for clarity of dreams.
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Wear Iolite jewelry to focus on your goals of financial freedom throughout the day.
How do you care for your Iolite?
Iolite is a harder stone that can be cleaned under water. Polished pieces are usually safe in a water bath, but take care of rough pieces or pieces with visible fracture lines. These may have weak spots that can wear down in prolonged water soaks.
When in doubt, just use a soft cloth or soft brush depending on your piece. Either way, make sure your stone is completely dry before storage.
Store Iolite away from items harder than a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness to avoid scratches. Although it is a hard stone, its toughness is middle of the road, so Iolite is susceptible to cracks from rough handling.
Hardness and toughness are different. Toughness is the stone's ability to resist cracking and breaking. Take off your Iolite jewelry when you are partaking in vigorous activities that can damage the stone.
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners so you don't break your stone. If using soap, make sure it is thoroughly rinsed to avoid build-up.
If you are looking for more tips on how to cleanse, charge, and program your stones metaphysically, check out the Crystal Care page.
Can Iolite be in the sun?
Iolite can be charged in the sunlight, but the stone's composition will weaken when heated to very high temperatures (which is why you don't find this stone heat-treated).
It is best to charge Iolite in indirect sun or for short periods in direct sun.
How can you tell if Iolite is real or fake?
The best way to know if your Iolite is real or fake is to buy from a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you.
Although seldom faked and rarely treated, Iolite can be mistaken for Blue Aventurine, Blue Sapphire, or Tanzanite. Vendors may also pass off dyed glass as Iolite.
Learn more in Fake vs Real Iolite.
Are Iolite and Tanzanite the same?
Iolite and Tanzanite can be confused because of their similarities: they can both have pleochroism, they are both orthorhombic, they can both be found in Tanzania, and they can both have the same violet color. However, Iolite and Tanzanite are different gemstones with different chemical compositions. Iolite gets its color from Iron. Tanzanite gets its color from Vanadium and is not magnetic.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, Iolite is at 7-7.5 and Tanzanite is at 6.5-7.
Tanzanite only comes from Tanzania and is more rare. Most Tanzanite is treated to bring out its violet colors. Nevertheless, it is much more expensive than Iolite. Unheated Tanzanite is very rare and is also trichroic like Iolite (heated Tanzanite is dichroic).
What is the difference between Blue Sapphire and Iolite?
Blue Sapphire is a form of Corundum while Iolite is a mineral known as Cordierite. They can both have the same blue tones, but Blue Sapphire is a much harder stone on the Mohs Scale of Hardness at 9 versus Iolite's 7. Wheras Iolite is trichroic, Sapphire is dichroic (only showing two color wavelengths).
Blue Sapphires can be heat treated to intensify their colors, but Iolite can not withstand high temperatures. Blue Sapphire will cost more than Iolite on the gemstone market.
Adding to the confusion between the two stones, Iolite is sometimes inaccurately marketed as Water Sapphire.
What stones are similar to Iolite?
Besides Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire, which we have discussed above, other blue stones like Aventurine, Dumortierite, and Denim Lapis can be similar to Iolite.
Blue Aventurine in its glittering dark formation is often mislabeled as "Indian Iolite". We have been sent the wrong stone several times from vendors who don't know any better. They go straight to our Blue Aventurine collection.
Dumortierite and Denim Lapis are lighter blues which can be confused for Iolite's paler versions. In these cases, you will want to do further tests to determine what stone you have in your possession.
Lisa's personal experience with Iolite
Money has always fascinated me so I am naturally drawn to Iolite. I love that it's an abundance stone, but with a spiritual purple-blue tone, nonetheless.
Lesser known than Citrine, Aventurine, Jade, and some of the other big-name money crystals, Iolite has a special place in my heart... and in my fashion too! I wear Iolite earrings often. They remind me to keep my money thoughts positive and aim for financial freedom.
Although the word Iolite stems from the Greek word for "violet", I like to think it also means "Eye of Light". It is the perfect crystal for invoking Third Eye visions. Iolite leads you to spiritual advancement through deep thoughts and intense experiences. There's no other stone like Iolite.
Sheila's personal experience with Iolite
In today's fast-paced world, I expect instant gratification. With Iolite, I am reminded that the best things come in due time. When life is speeding along, I like to hold my Iolite wand or wear my Iolite bracelet to remind myself to take it one step at a time; one breath at a time. This is not a race, and there is no finish line. Iolite to me, represents the present moment.
Besides slowing down the imaginary clock, I like Iolite because of its energy of financial freedom. Something I have struggled with is paying off debt and bringing in abundance. You will have read my experiences in the Abundance article, but now that I have overcome this poverty mindset, Iolite is there to remind me to maintain the wealth, to wait for the right investment moves, and to trust the Universe that I will be financially stable.
What are Iolite's mineral facts?
Take a look at Iolite's scientific facts and educate yourself on the mineral's physical form.
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Chemical Formula: Mg2Al4Si5O18
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Mohs Scale of Hardness: 7-7.5
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Surface Color: Violet Blue, Colorless, Yellow, Brown, Purple, Gray
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Streak Color (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White
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Group: Cyclosilicate
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Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystal's structure): Distinct pinacoidal - good in one direction and poor in two directions
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Fracture (where the crystal breaks randomly not on a cleavage): Conchoidal, Uneven
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Luster: Vitreous (glassy)
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Transparency: Transparent to Translucent
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Crystal System: Orthorhombic
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Crystal Habit: Short prismatic crystals, granular, massive
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Specific Gravity: 2.58 – 2.66 (2.61)
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Refractive Index: 1.542 – 1.578
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Tenacity: Brittle
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Radioactivity: Not radioactive
Where is Iolite found?
Iolite can be found worldwide with important deposits in Kenya, Tanzania, India, Brazil, Finland, Norway, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
What color is Iolite?
Although prized for its violet tones, Iolite can range in color from pale gray to dark blue.
If the gem is translucent and cut correctly, the pleochroism, or trichroism, of Iolite will display three different colors of light. For violet stones, you will see light violet, dark violet, and yellow-brown and for blue stones, you will see clear to yellow, blue-gray, and dark violet. This depends on the angle and the light you are viewing the stone.
Iolite is sometimes dyed to enhance its color. The dye is usually unstable and will fade over time. This can be tested with acetone.
Sometimes you will find Iolite forming organically with Sunstone. Whether the stones are seen distinctly in one piece or the red Copper or Hematite inclusions of Sunstone are seen in the Iolite, this combination is known as Bloodshot Iolite.
What is Bloodshot Iolite?
Bloodshot Iolite is a type of Iolite that shows metallic red inclusions usually seen in Sunstone. This rare gemstone is found only in Sri Lanka.
Because of its glittering inclusions, Bloodshot Iolite is sometimes referred to as Aventurine Iolite. The inclusions are usually red Hematite platelets.
To the untrained eye, Bloodshot Iolite can be confused with the manmade Blue Goldstone.
In crystal healing, Bloodshot Iolite is used to ignite your subconscious mind, to give it priority over your conscious mind. By increasing the connection to your intuition, you are able to maximize your spiritual powers while dealing with everyday occurrences.
Is Iolite Sunstone real?
Yes! Iolite Sunstone is a real stone showing both blue Iolite and red Sunstone growing together organically.
In crystal healing, you can use this hybrid stone at the Third Eye, Sacral, and Root chakras. It connects the upper chakras with the lower for a balanced aura.
Where should you put Iolite?
You should place Iolite in the Wealth & Prosperity area of your space. This is the top left corner according to the Feng Shui map.
You can also place it anywhere you deal with finances, like an office, around your computer, cash register, in your desk drawer, etc.
For more on placing crystals, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals.
How do you meditate with Iolite?
To meditate with your Iolite crystals, program them for your intention. Hold, wear, and surround yourself with the stones during your meditation.
Need help meditating? We have recorded a Guided Iolite Meditation for you to follow along.
Can Iolite be worn every day?
Iolite jewelry can be worn every day as long as you handle it with care. It is a relatively hard stone but not particularly tough, so take care if you are constantly hitting a surface like a bracelet on a computer desk. If your Iolite is in a pendant or earring form, you have less to fear!
Be aware that all natural gemstone beads will wear down over time with daily wear. The polish may also wear off with water, weathering, sweat, and environmental conditions.
Learn more about How to care for your Crystal Jewelry.
Should you wear Iolite on your left or right hand?
At Satin Crystals, we believe that as long as the crystal is in your aura, it will be providing you with positive benefits. That being said, some people like to wear jewelry according to their dominant vs non-dominant hands.
Read more about the different energies this provides in the Ultimate Bracelet Guide.
Watch the Iolite Video
Click to watch the Iolite YouTube video. In this video, we will also go over Iolite meanings and show you examples of this crystal.
This is a part of our A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video playlist, where we answer your top 5 questions on all of the most popular crystals. Feel free to comment directly on the video with your questions and experiences.
What does broken Iolite mean?
If you want to know the metaphysical meaning of broken stones, visit Broken Crystal Meanings.
What does Iolite mean in divination?
Drawing Iolite in a gemstone divination session means:
It is time to stabilize your financial life
Use Iolite to visualize, meditate, and come up with solutions to your financial situation. If you are drowning in debt, Iolite can assist you in seeing a debt-free future. If you are feeling confident in your finances, Iolite can help you grow your wealth. Either way, this Stone of Vision can help you progress, as long as you are willing to take the physical actions!
What chakra is Iolite for?
Iolite is associated with the Third Eye chakra. The Third Eye chakra vibrates with dark blue tones to strengthen mental balance, intuition, and visions.
To learn more about crystals and your chakras, visit the Chakra Guide.
What is another name for Iolite?
Another name for Iolite that is used by mineralogists is Cordierite. The name Iolite is more commonly used by gemologists.
Iolite was also known once called Dichroite because of its pleochroism, showing two colors in one stone (in this case it can show up to three colors). You may also hear it referred to as Steinheilite.
Bloodshot Iolite is the name given to Iolite with spots of red Sunstone.
Iolite has also been falsely known as Water Sapphire although it is not a Sapphire.
What is Iolite associated with?
Iolite is associated with special occasions, astrological connections, and earth elements:
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Iolite is the gemstone for the 21st wedding anniversary.
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Iolite is associated with the Water element.
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Iolite vibrates with Zodiac signs Libra, Sagittarius, and Taurus.
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Iolite is great for those born in September.
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Iolite is astrologically linked to the planet Saturn.
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Iolite vibrates with the Third Eye chakra.
Was Iolite used by the Vikings?
Legend tells us that the Vikings used crystals to navigate the seas. Which crystals they used is still under debate.
Some claim it was Iolite, others say it was Optical Calcite (Iceland Spar) or Sunstone. All three of these gemstones were mined in Norway during Viking times.
What are Iolite's uses in everyday life?
Besides Iolite's uses in the gemstone industry, it is used for thin-film coatings and optical devices. Because of its pelochroism, Iolite lends to manipulating the lights in optics and electronics in specific ways.
Shop for Iolite Stones
Make sure you are buying your Iolite from a reputable source like Satin Crystals. Shop the Iolite Collection on the site or here on the blog:
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Disclaimer: The information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.