Iolite 4mm Microfaceted Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch Cantera Opal This stone is relatively soft

This stone is relatively soft

Once cooled

the third to hardest common natural gemstone

It contains inclusions such as copper and iron

and because its hardness has made the stone perfect for beads and cabochons

Iolite 4mm Microfaceted Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch Cantera Opal This stone is relatively softIolite most commonly occurs in shades of blue to gray, violet or indigo. It displays a visual property called pleochroism, which means that it can appear to be different colors as it shifts in the light. According to Norse legend, Viking explorers used thin pieces of Iolite as the worlds first polarizing lens to help them determine the exact location of the sun for navigation.