Natural Iolite · 0.225 ct · Round · Brilliant Cut · Unheated

This natural Iolite weighs 0.225 carat and is fashioned in a classic round brilliant cut, displaying an attractive bluish-violet body colour with good to very good colour quality.

Measuring approximately 3.9 × 3.9 × 2.4 mm, the gemstone falls within a practical jewellery size and offers balanced proportions for use in rings, earrings, pendants or other fine jewellery designs.

The stone is transparent and presents a clarity appearance comparable to approximately SI, with natural internal characteristics visible but without overwhelming the overall face-up appearance. Its combination of transparency, colour and well-executed faceting supports a lively presentation despite its relatively small carat weight.

Iolite is the gem-quality variety of cordierite and is particularly notable for its pronounced pleochroism. Depending on crystallographic orientation and viewing direction, different shades may be visible, commonly ranging from violet-blue or bluish violet to paler blue-grey or nearly colourless tones. Correct orientation during cutting is therefore particularly important in order to maximise the desirable blue-violet face-up colour.

This specimen shows a bluish-violet colour with good to very good saturation for the material. The round brilliant cut has been executed to support brightness and balanced light return, with very good cut and symmetry contributing positively to the overall presentation.

Iolite is sometimes referred to in the gemstone trade as the “Vikings’ Compass”, a nickname associated with the mineral’s strong directional colour behaviour and longstanding stories connecting transparent cordierite-type material with navigation. This designation is best regarded as a historical and commercial nickname rather than definitive archaeological proof of gemstone use by Viking navigators.

The gemstone is recorded as unheated and untreated, preserving its natural colour and internal characteristics without documented enhancement.

With its attractive bluish-violet colour, transparent body and well-balanced round brilliant cut, this 0.225 ct natural Iolite is an appealing choice for jewellery or gemstone collecting. Its strong pleochroic character gives the stone an additional gemmological dimension that distinguishes Iolite from many other blue and violet gemstones.