Collection: Iolite or Cordierite

Cordierite or iolite belongs to the silicate family and is composed of magnesium silicate and aluminum silicate. It is a fine stone with different shades of blue, even going as far as purple.

Cordierite exhibits pronounced pleochroism and has various colors depending on the direction of the light rays passing through it and the viewing angle. These are blue, purple and yellow. Sometimes colorless and gray are also distinguished. You just have to move the stone to see its magnificent reflections.

This particularity earned it the name dichroite, (duo for two and chroma for color), which is not the only name given to it. In Anglo-Saxon countries, it is called “iolite” or “volithe” in reference to “iol”, meaning “violet”. It can also be referred to as New Zealand Blue Quartz, Blue Sapphire (nowadays, this name is banned, leading to confusion with sapphire) or Steinheilite (a word created by the mineralogist Pansner in 1815 in homage to Count Steinheil, Governor of Finland).

Eventually, in France, this stone was called cordierite by the mineralogist Lucas, referring to the French mineralogist Louis Cordier, who described it in 1809 under its first name dichroite.

Cordierite is found in metamorphic rocks, the result of the transformation of clay sediments in contact with magma. Its crystals can reach up to 18 cm long. The largest cut cordierite is in the British Museum and weighs 855 carats.

With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, this stone is perfect for jewelry. Furthermore, it is insoluble in acid and resists fire. It is also used in the manufacture of industrial cooking supports and electrical resistance insulation.

Cordierite is sometimes associated with Athena, Greek goddess of war and wisdom. His followers gave him this stone as an offering and in homage to his beauty. But no text explicitly confirms this allegation.

On the other hand, some scientists have been able to demonstrate the use made of this stone by the Vikings, in order to orient themselves when the sky was overcast. Cordierite was therefore nicknamed “Viking stone” or “compass stone”. They looked through this stone which served as a filter and allowed them to locate where the sun was.

The main deposits are located in India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, etc.

In Lithotherapy, cordierite, sometimes called iolite, is a support stone in the deliverance of addictions. This stone is known for providing quality and quantity sleep. It keeps nightmares, anxieties and negative emotions away. It is a calming crystal that relieves fears and tensions.

In lithotherapy, cordierite is considered an excellent anchoring stone, which allows connection to the Earth and provides stability. It gives intuition and initiative. This stone, worn daily, banishes hesitation and confusion. It eliminates everything that prevents you from moving forward in life.

Thus, it makes the wearer of this stone more confident and more positive. He knows how to manage changes better. This stone generates serenity and relaxation. It facilitates making good decisions and helps overcome life's difficulties.

Furthermore, it increases the feeling of security and comfort. It reduces worries about the future and creates optimism. It exudes a feeling of well-being and tranquility. It allows you to look to the future with serenity and self-confidence.

This stone allows access to intense states of meditation. It is particularly effective for beginners who are learning about spirituality.