A NOTE FROM NICK
This material is Cordierite or Iolite (The Gem quality of this is Iolite Water Sapphire). This large matrix rough material to make these standing free forms is scarce.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Malagasy Iolite: The Viking’s Compass
Iolite, or Water Sapphire, is a rare gem known as the "Viking’s Compass" for aiding Norse sailors in navigation with its pleochroic deep blue hue, shifting from vibrant blue to nearly black in dim light. Polished by Madagascar’s expert lapidaries, this scarce material, with only a few kilograms surfacing sporadically, boasts captivating colors like blue-violet and grey, with recent Northern Cape finds revealing labradorite-like blue streaks. Its strong pleochroism, earning the name "Dichroite" (two-colored rock), and rich history make it a prized collector’s gem.
PRODUCT MINERALS
Cordierite, Magnesium Iron Aluminum Cyclosilicate
PRODUCT FEATURES
Orthorhombic, Pleochroism
PRODUCT COLOUR
Blue, Black
MOHS HARDNESS SCALE
7 to 7.5
PRODUCT DATA
Locality = Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar
Grade = Good Grade
Size = 73 - 114 mm
SKU = 171-647-250902BM
PLEASE NOTE: The product title specifies the exact number of individual pieces included in your purchase (eg. x12, x1, x35 etc). “We have 1 in stock” means we have 1(one) complete batch (as per quantity stated in the product title) or 1 (one) unique product available as appropriate. Prices are grade dependent and all items are sold as shown in the product images.
All prices exclude SA VAT. International export clients will not be charged VAT by us, but you may be charged import VAT by customs in your country.