About Gemstones
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		Iolite
		The name Iolite is derived from the Greek "los", meaning violet. Iolite is a purplish blue color. Also known as Cordierite. Iolite was known as the Vikings' compass because of its ability to help determine the direction of the sun on overcast days. When the legendary Viking mariners sailed the ocean, 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.