Iolite is a popular stone for jewelry.  I t has a blue-violet color unlike any other gem.  Its major sources are in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Burma.  Some now comes from Brazil and Wyoming.  Its name comes from the Greek word for violet.
    It was used by the Vikings to find their way at sea on cloudy days.  When the  Viking mariners sailed the seas, they used thin pieces of iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate safely.
    Iolite is best worn as a necklace or pendant where it will last longer than a ring.  A single stone will show different colors and shades , so when selecting one, look at it from different angles and in different light.

Folklore, healing and spiritual properties:  Helps one to feel comfortable in leadership roles.  It opens pathways to intuition and spiritual development.  It is believed to link the throat, crown, and brow chakras so they work together more effectively.  It opens communication to your higher self, which usually occurs through brief bursts of intuition and guidance.  As a blue-purple stone, it will be most useful in healing problems in the head and throat.