Iolite/Cordierite Specimens / Rough

Rough Iolite specimens

These are small rough Iolite specimens, sold in a few different quality grades. While I tend to use the word Iolite, the more correct name for most of these specimens would be Cordierite. Iolite is simply a gem-quality Cordierite.

Iolite is pleochroic and may change colour depending on its orientation. Our grade A specimens show this off best. Iolite specimens from Iceland may be the mineral used as the "Viking sunstone" from the legendary sagas; although this may be Optical Calcite.

• Grade C is a good mineral sample or ideal for rock tumbling. Nice enough colours, but cloudy. We sell these in 100 gram packets, typically containing 30-50MM pieces.
• Grade B pieces are a decent quality specimen, good for demonstrating pleochroism. These are sold by their size, not weight.
• Grade A pieces are nice and clean, possibly suitable cutting cabochons or facets.

The pictures you see here are representative of the products and are usually not the exact item you will receive. Please use the grading quality photo to help decide on the grade you'd prefer!

When buying items by weight: In some instances, 100 grams may contain 1-3 pieces; however, an order of 500 grams may contain 1-2 much larger pieces. If you require a specific size, please get in touch before ordering to ensure we can supply sized pieces.