Cordierite

Cordierite fine stone

Named in honor of the mineralogist Pierre Louis Antoine Cordier (1777-1861) cordierite is usually blue, it was described for the first time in 1813 by the mineralogist Jean André Henri Lucas (1780-1825).

Cordierite is also called “iolite” from the Greek “ios” meaning “violet”.

Fine stone once used by the Vikings for orientation when the sky was overcast. The cordierite acted as a filter and thus made it possible to locate the sun. This is why it also bears the name of “stone of the Vikings” or “stone of compass”.

Cordierite with multiple tones

Cordierite is distinguished by its bluish hues, it is provided with a strong pleochroism from which arise multiple tones of yellow and purple, this is explained by its chemical composition partly of aluminum, iron and magnesium.

Inclusions of hematite or goethite also give it reddish tones.

Colorless and pale blue cordierites are rare.

The main deposits are located in Brazil, United States, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka.

In lithotherapy, cordierite would be beneficial against addictions and would facilitate deep sleep. It is also a spiritual and uplifting gem.

The cordierite gems, purple in one direction and gray in the other, are surprisingly curious.