Iolite Beads

Iolite is a translucent form of the cyclosilicate mineral Cordierite, displaying a light blue color with a purplish hue. Iolite commonly occurs in in metamorphic rocks, but is also found in association granites and pegmatites. Nearby accessory minerals of... moreten include hornfuls and micas. Iolite is quite hard, showing a 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs Harness Scale, meaning that iolite beads are resistant to scratches and scuffs.  less