Iolite, the traditional gem for the 21st anniversary, is a lovely blue-violet stone. The name is derived from the Greek word for violet, ios, and it is sometimes referred to as water sapphire. Iolite shows a strong trichroism, meaning it often reveals one of three colors (violet, colorless/gray, and light/dark blue) depending on viewpoint. Connected with this natural phenomenon is one of the most fascinating aspects of this gem--its ability to locate the sun hidden behind clouds. Of obvious importance for navigation, the polarizing optical properties of iolite crystals made them so essential for seafaring that they came to be know as the ‘Viking’s Compass’. This rich, blue jewel has been said to help alleviate excessive nervous tension, get rid of unreasonable fears, and even cure insomnia--it has also been long treasured for its ability to ignite passion. Who needs a better reason to own one?
