Iolite Healing Qualities, meanings and uses, including the associated Chakra, the Crystal System, Application/Use, Zodiac Affinity and associated Folklore.
6th or 3rd Eye Chakra
Shades of blue
Sanskrit: Anja
Iolite opens, heightens and expands our psychic abilities in a gentle manner. It softly teaches us our psychic abilities and what can be possible. For those starting their explorative journey it will encourage and protect you on that new path. A good one to use for spiritual beginnings or in starting new spiritual growth cycles.
Application...
Iolite, when used during meditation, assists in calming the overactive mind to reach a focused state of meditation. I found this one a little to dreamy to use during a busy day as I kept wanting to wander off mentally. But, in the evening it seemed to provide a balancing of energies from the day, sort of equalizing and centering my personal energies. Use this one when seeking guidance for difficult areas of your life.
Crystal System...
Iolite has an orthorhombic crystal structure and is in the mineral class of silicates. It is a pleochroic gem which means that this stone has the feature of transmitting different colors. In its coloring, Iolite may be blue, violet-blue, gray or blue-green. It can also have inclusions of Hematite and/or Goethite which may cause a reddish colored sheen.
Iolite is also known as Cordierite, named after the French geologist Pierre Cordier who first described the stone in 1813. The actual name Iolite comes from the Greek word of ion which means violet. It can also be known as Dichroite. Cordierite with gem-quality blue coloring is also known as the “water sapphire.”
Currently it is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings very likely mined Iolite from deposits found in Norway and/or Greenland.
Spiritually...
Iolite uses its soft and gentle energies to help us connect with our soul. It helps us to understand who we are and why we are on the planet at this particular time.
Emotionally...
Iolite helps us to release discord within relationships, and encouraging us to take responsibility for ourselves. It may also assist in overcoming codependency within many types of partnerships. This would include in personal or in business relationships.
Mentally...
Iolite helps us to find unexpected or inspired solutions to problems that may have eluded us in the past. I think in releasing discord and bringing us to a place of balance it allows us to 'be in the moment' and then see the most appropriate solution.
Physically...
Iolite helps us realize a strong constitution, sort of erasing physical disorders. It has been known to rid the body of fatty deposits, supports detoxification and regeneration of the liver, and aids the pituitary, sinuses and respiratory system.
Zodiac Affinity...
Iolite has special affinities with Taurus, Libra and Sagittarius but benefits all signs. It's Energy is Receptive and its Element is Water.
Folklore...
I found some interesting accounts of the Vikings possibly using thin layers of Iolite as a polarizing filter. Looking through this lens, of sorts, they were able to determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate their way safely to a destination and back. There is still debate among historians though if it actually was Iolite or perhaps some type of Icelandic Spar (really clear calcite). While the science makes sense, I think it may have been easier to calve plates of the Spar over this one.