If you are looking for a stone that can enhance your intuition, creativity, and vision, you might want to consider iolite. Iolite is a beautiful violet-blue gemstone that has been used for centuries as a tool for navigation, inspiration, and healing. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, properties, and benefits of iolite, and how you can use it in your daily life.

What is Iolite?

Iolite is a silicate of magnesium and aluminum that belongs to the cordierite group of minerals. It has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, and a refractive index of 1.53 to 1.55. It exhibits pleochroism, which means it shows different colors when viewed from different angles or under different light sources. Iolite can range from light to dark blue, violet, gray, yellow, or brown, but the most desirable color is deep indigo.

The name iolite comes from the Greek word “ios”, which means violet. It is also known as water sapphire, dichroite, or cordierite. The latter name was given in honor of the French geologist Louis Cordier who discovered it in 1813.

Iolite is sometimes called the Viking’s compass because the Norse sailors used it to determine the direction of the sun on cloudy days. They would cut thin slices of iolite and look through them to locate the sun’s position by its polarization.

Iolite is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks, especially in schists and gneisses. It can also occur in pegmatites and alluvial deposits. The main sources of iolite are Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, Namibia, Canada, Tanzania, Australia, and the USA.

What are the Healing Properties of Iolite?

Iolite is a stone of vision, intuition, and creativity. It can help you access your inner wisdom, activate your third eye chakra, and enhance your psychic abilities. It can also stimulate your imagination and inspire you to express yourself through writing, music, art, or other forms of communication.

Iolite is also a stone of balance and harmony. It can help restore order and clarity in your life, especially if you feel disoriented, distracted, or unmotivated. It can strengthen your sense of responsibility and self-discipline and help you overcome challenges and obstacles with confidence and perseverance.

Iolite is also a stone of healing and detoxification. It can support your physical health by improving your blood circulation, blood pressure, liver function, digestion, hair growth, and nail strength. It can also help you heal from fever, malaria, headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, paralysis, numbness, pain, and other disorders related to the nervous system.

Iolite can also help you heal emotionally and spiritually by clearing your aura and aligning your chakras. It can help you release old wounds and fears that are holding you back from living your true potential. It can also help you connect with your higher self and your spirit guides and reveal your past lives and karmic lessons.

How to Use Iolite?

You can use iolite in various ways depending on your intention and preference. Here are some suggestions:

  • Wear iolite as a jewelry or carry it as a pocket stone to benefit from its energy throughout the day. You can choose a piece that resonates with you or matches your birthstone (iolite is associated with September).
  • Place iolite on your third eye or forehead during meditation or visualization to enhance your psychic vision and intuition. You can also hold it in your hand or place it on your altar.
  • Use iolite in crystal grids or layouts to amplify its power and combine it with other stones that support your goal. For example, you can use iolite with amethyst for spiritual awakening; lapis lazuli for wisdom; moonstone for creativity; labradorite for transformation; or quartz for amplification.
  • Write with iolite by holding it in your dominant hand or placing it near your writing tool. This can help you access your muse and express yourself creatively through words.
  • Sleep with iolite under your pillow or near your bed to improve your sleep quality and prevent nightmares. You can also use it to induce lucid dreaming or astral projection.

How to Cleanse Iolite?

Like any other crystal or gemstone, iolite needs to be cleansed regularly to maintain its vibrancy and effectiveness. Cleansing iolite can remove any accumulated negative energies, dust, or dirt and recharge it with fresh and positive vibrations. There are different methods of cleansing iolite, but here are some of the most common and easy ones:

  • Water: You can rinse iolite under running water for a few minutes or soak it in a bowl of water with some sea salt for an hour or overnight. You can also use moon water or holy water for this purpose. Make sure to dry iolite well after cleansing it with water, as it can be sensitive to moisture.
  • Sunlight or Moonlight: You can place iolite in direct sunlight or moonlight for a few hours or overnight. This can help iolite absorb the natural energies of the sun or the moon and enhance its color and luster. However, avoid exposing iolite to intense heat or prolonged sunlight, as it can fade or crack.
  • Earth: You can bury iolite in the soil for a day or longer. This can help iolite reconnect with the earth’s element and ground its energies. You can also use a pot of plants or flowers for this purpose. Make sure to mark the spot where you buried iolite, and wash it well after digging it out.
  • Smoke: You can smudge iolite with the smoke of sage, palo santo, cedar, or other herbs or incense. This can help iolite purify its aura and clear any negative vibrations. You can also use a feather or a fan to direct the smoke over iolite.
  • Sound: You can use sound to cleanse iolite with vibrations and frequencies. You can use a singing bowl, a tuning fork, a bell, a gong, or any other musical instrument for this purpose. You can also use your voice and chant mantras or affirmations over iolite.

You can choose the method that works best for you and your iolite and cleanse it as often as you feel necessary. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse iolite before and after using it or whenever it feels dull or heavy.

Conclusion

Iolite is a powerful and versatile stone that can help you in many aspects of your life. It can help you develop your vision, intuition, and creativity; balance your mind and emotions; heal your body and soul; and connect with your higher self and spirit guides. Iolite is a stone that can guide you to your true path and purpose and inspire you to live your best life.

If you are interested in iolite, you can find it in various forms and shapes, such as beads, cabochons, faceted stones, tumbled stones, or rough specimens. You can also find iolite jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, or pendants. You can choose the one that suits your style and budget, and enjoy the benefits of this amazing stone.