PRODUCT INFORMATION

General Description

Cordierite, also known as Iolite or Water Sapphire from Madagascar, presents itself in a non-gemmy variety, found in substantial quantities. This material is exceptionally rare, with only a few kilograms becoming available on an irregular basis. It typically exhibits a fairly dark blue colour, which can appear almost black in the absence of adequate lighting. This unique and collectible gem offers a fascinating addition to any collection. Cordierite, named after Pierre Louis Antoine Cordier, a French mining engineer and geologist, who was the first to study this mineral, displays a wide range of colours, including grey, blue, blue-violet, greenish, yellowish brown, and colourless, often appearing noticeably light blue in transmitted light. The most sought-after and collectible variety is the gemmy blue, often referred to as Iolite. Iolite, frequently used as a gemstone, derives its name from the Greek word for violet. Cordierite has also been known as "dichroite," a Greek term meaning "tow-colored rock," highlighting its remarkable pleochroism. It has earned the monikers "water-sapphire" and "Vikings' Compass" due to its practical use in determining the direction of the sun on overcast days, a skill employed by the Vikings. This Cordierite hails from Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar, offering a unique piece of geological history.

This unique deposit features white Feldspar intricately entwined with patterns of Smokey or Clear Quartz, offering a canvas for variably gemmy, specular Rubellite Tourmaline inclusions. The Feldspar/Quartz matrix spans from snow-white to light grey, while the Rubellite's colour intensity and inclusion density vary within the deposit. Originating from Madagascar, initially mistaken for Eudialyte, it was later confirmed through testing in Canada to be a mineral from the Tourmaline group. This rare and exquisite find is a rarity in collections. Belonging to the cyclosilicate superclass, these trigonal borosilicates are part of the Tourmaline Group, a term first introduced by Richard Kirwan in 1794. Specifically, Rubellite, rich in Lithium and typically devoid of Fe+Mg impurities, defines a member displaying pink to red hues.

Price is grade dependant. Items are as shown.

Product Data

Locality = Madagascar
Grade = good Grade
Size = 77 - 79 mm | 3 - 3.1 inch
Net Weight = 1.3 Kg | 3 Lbs
Product Type = Small Batch

Net Weight = 1.34 kg
SKU = MIXPBTO144400