According to legend, iolite is called the Viking Compass Stone. It’s said that thin slices of iolite served as glare-reducers and polarizing filters that helped ancient Viking navigators locate the sun on cloudy days. This allowed the Nordic mariners to pinpoint their own location on the seas.
Strongly pleochroic (see note below) iolite has been incorrectly called “water sapphire,” as it can display a blue to violet hue in one direction and pale yellow to colorless in another.
The name iolite comes from the Greek word ios, meaning “violet.” Some believe that the gem aids sleep and helps to unlock creativity. Iolite is often cited as the twenty-first wedding anniversary gemstone.
Iolite helps in recovering balance, and is recommended for those suffering from disorientation, lack of motivation, chronic disorganization, and distraction. (Megemont, 96)
Iolite restores a sense of perspective to those who feel they are jinxed, and inspires anyone with a chaotic life to start to bring order in small practical ways. (Eason, 377)
Iolite is a stone of the muses, activating the visionary, creative side of the mind, and accessing thoughts and ideas beyond the ordinary. It inspires creative self-expression through writing, song, movement and other artistic endeavors. (Ahsian, 207)
Use Iolite to strengthen family dilemmas. Place in the living area if sibling rivalry or the presence of a new step-parent is causing a child to feel excluded. Use Iolite if family members have over-high expectations of you, or if your career path was chosen for you because of family connections. As an amulet, Iolite brings travelers safely home. Give a piece of Iolite jewelry or a tumble stone as a farewell gift to students leaving home or emigrating family members. (Eason, 377)
Iolite aids in understanding and releasing the causes of addiction, allowing for the expression of one’s true self, freed from the expectations of others. (Hall, 147)
It promotes a calm, positive state of mind, instills hope, and assists in decisions on how to proceed. It gives the emotional distance needed for a clearer perspective. (Ahsian, 207)
Note:
ple·o·chro·ic
/ˌplēəˈkrōik/
adjective
(of a crystal) absorbing different wavelengths of light differently depending on the direction of incidence of the rays or their plane of polarization, often resulting in the appearance of different colors according to the direction of view.