Bead, iolite (natural), 10-13mm hand-cut top-drilled faceted puffed teardrop, C grade, Mohs hardness 7 to 7-1/2. Sold per 8-inch strand, approximately 35 beads.

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 handcrafted items.