Polished Blue Spark Iolite Standing Free Form x 3 From Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar

A NOTE FROM NICK 
3 Rare Blue Spark Iolite Standing Display Freeforms. Very scarce Material. Small Fiery bright Blue Sparks in a deeper blue-black matrix of Cordierite/Iolite and wiyth Pink Sillimanite dot patterns. Looks almost Pietersite-like. This only came out for a short period of time in Madagascar. These Photos don't do them justice. 

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 = Very Good Grade
Size = 102 - 109 mm