“I”olite and other gems

I make jewelry using semi-precious stones. I began this hobby as a relaxation exercise and have enjoyed it ever since. This necklace has iolite and chalcedony stones with a sterling silver clasp and spacers.

In making jewelry I have discovered that stones have different properties or are known for certain qualities. Iolite (which comes from the Greek word “ios,” meaning violet), is a transparent, gem-quality form of cordierite, that resembles sapphire or Tanzanite but is more reasonably priced.

Though the mineral has a history that dates back hundreds of years, the gemstone ‘iolite’ is considered to be relatively new, with the first significant discovery in 1996 in Palmer Creek, Wyoming, by the American geologist, W. Dan Hausal. Iolite is trichroic which means that three different colors can be seen in the stone, depending on the viewing angle.

Iolite is considered to be a stone of vision, enhancing creative expression. Many believe it can help people recover lost memories and help induce sleep for insomniacs. It’s also believed that iolite can help those who suffer from eye and vision disorders.

The green stone, chalcedony, is one of my favorites and its species belongs to the quartz group of minerals. It belongs to a broad gemstone family of a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz gemstones, which can also include agate, bloodstone, carnelian and jasper. These are also some of my favorite stones so it makes sense that they are related. The apple green variety is known as chrysoprase, deriving its color from nickel content. It is the rarest of the chalcedony group.

Chalcedony can carry a small electrical charge, similar to that of tourmaline. This stone can often be found in volcanic environments. Chalcedony is an old stone and seals and other forms of jewelry have been discovered dating back to 1800 BC. It’s believed to help emotional balance, with gentle, soothing, friendly properties. It encourages kindness, receptivity, generosity, charity and may increase grace and prevent depression.

I love the deep blue and light green together and it’s one of my very favorite necklaces that I’ve ever made. I couldn’t part with it so when a friend told me she liked it too, I made her one as well. She passed away several years ago and when I wear mine, it reminds me of her.

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry? If so, what makes it so special to you?