Iolite and Silver Oval Frames and Bubbles Earrings

Bezel set inky purple iolite, rose-cut stones in a silver sway below an oval frame of silver, adorned with delicate silver pebbles for a touch of whimsy. Easy wear and surprisingly neutral with the royal purple-blue of iolite.

Physical and Chemical Properties

1. Composition: Iolite is a magnesium iron aluminum cyclosilicate mineral, with the chemical formula $(𝑀𝑔,𝐹𝑒{)}_2𝐴{𝑙}_4𝑆{𝑖}_5{𝑂}_{18}$.
2. Color: It typically ranges from light to deep blue or violet. However, its color can also appear gray, yellowish-gray, green, or colorless depending on the viewing angle.
3. Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, iolite ranks between 7 and 7.5, making it relatively durable and suitable for various types of jewelry.
4. Cleavage: Iolite has distinct cleavage in one direction, which means it can split along specific planes more easily.
5. Pleochroism: One of iolite's most remarkable features is its strong pleochroism. This means it can show different colors when viewed from different angles. Typically, iolite shows violet-blue, yellow-gray, and a light blue color depending on the orientation.

Historical and Cultural Significance

1. Viking Legend: It is said that Viking navigators used thin slices of iolite as polarizing filters to find the direction of the sun on overcast days, aiding in navigation.
2. Name Origin: The name "iolite" comes from the Greek word "ios," meaning "violet," referring to its typical color.

Occurrence and Mining

1. Locations: Significant sources of iolite are found in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Brazil, and Madagascar.
2. Formation: Iolite forms in metamorphic rocks and is often found alongside minerals like garnet, kyanite, and staurolite.

Materials: Sterling Silver, Iolite

Measurements: 2 inches long from ear wire