Iolite

Iolite is a lovely violet/blue color and is also referred to as Cordierite, Dichroite, and Indialite. It is dichroic, meaning that it appears full of color in one direction and completely colorless in another.  The name Iolite is initially derived from the Greek ios, which means violet. Iolite is usually a purplish blue when cut properly, with a softness to the color that can be quite soothing as well as attractive.  It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings likely mined Iolite from deposits in Norway and/or Greenland.