Bloody Iolite 10mm Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch Zoisite Most commonly mined in Madagascar

Most commonly mined in Madagascar

and translucent black (Apache Tears)

though it is referenced as a highly revered stone in much older Inuit tribal legends

which form fragmented patterns throughout the stone

Bloody Iolite 10mm Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch Zoisite Most commonly mined in MadagascarIolite 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.