Bead, iolite (natural), medium to dark, 5-7mm hand-cut faceted puffed teardrop, B grade, Mohs hardness 7 to 7-1/2. Sold per 8-inch strand, approximately 60 beads.

Iolite has a fabulous range of blue tones, from deep, oceanic blue to pale blue-violet, that radiates pure elegance. Iolite is the gem version of the mineral cordierite and is often called water sapphire. It is sometimes referred to as the Viking's compass because its light-polarizing ability helped sailors navigate the sea on overcast days. Unsurprisingly, metaphysical beliefs attributed to iolite boast the gemstone as one granting clear vision.

Sizes, shapes and colors may vary with natural materials.