Iolite gemstone or Neeli or Kakaneeli is a semi-precious gemstone from the Cordierite mineral family. Iolite Stone violetish-blue-colored gem exhibits a strong visual phenomenon known as unique pleochroism. It is believed that, in ancient times, Viking navigators used thin slices of this blue beauty to identify the position of the Sun in rainy weather. Being an astrological substitute of Neelam (Blue Sapphire), it delivers mental strength, financial stability, and professional success in the life of an individual. For those individuals, who cannot afford the highly precious blue sapphire due to the tight budget; Neeli is a great alternative to opt for.
However, the astrological aspect is not the only popular reason this stunning stone carries. Besides the cosmic ground, its remarkable physical properties should also be taken into account of consideration. Owing to its Mohs scale hardness of 7- 7.5, it is a remarkable option for statement pieces of jewelry. Though Iolite comes from the silicate mineral family, mineralogists generally call it or cordierite. It is highly rich in magnesium, silicate, and aluminum. Due to the resemblance it displays with the gentle blue to violet hue, Neeli gemstone is often termed as “water sapphire”..
| Color: | Bright medium to dark blue-colored Iolite is recommended. |
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| Worn In: | Iolite stone Ring should be worn on the middle finger of the working hand. |
| Day & Time: | Saturday morning of Shukla Paksha from 5 to 7 a.m/ |
| Metal: | Silver is a highly preferred metal for Iolite jewelry while Gold is usually avoided. |
| Mantra & Chanting: | Chant ‘Om Shan Shanicharaya Namah’ or ऊँ शं शनैश्चराय नमः। for 108 times while wearing. |
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According to the ancient holy science, Iolite, a substitute (Upratna) of Blue Sapphire or Neelam gemstone, is worn to empower the planet Saturn and please Lord Shani. This gemstone is known for carrying some extraordinary healing powers that not only benefit your personal but also the professional perspective of life. Besides delivering the positivity and blessings of the planet Saturn, Neeli is used to enhance the social and financial status of a person.
Treats Unhealthy Addictions: Iolite is believed to be aligned with the third eye chakra and carrying its extraordinary energies which not only strengthen your intuition but also access higher guidance. According to some health experts, the amazing healing properties of Neeli gemstone also activate the Crown Chakra and assists an individual to gain self-control in every tough situation of life, for instance, negative thoughts, drug abuse, alcohol consumption, smoking, or any other bad or unhealthy addiction under peer pressure.
Provide financial stability: Ancient Vedas acknowledge that Neeli holds the potency to promote a person from the status of nothing to everything. Being ruled by the Karmic planet Saturn or Shani, Neeli gemstone is known to compensate an individual with all the deserving rewards and recognition for his or her hard work. Therefore, wearing an Iolite gemstone benefits hugely to the people who are lacking professional success or growth in business.
Provides Mental Peace and Sound Sleep: According to traditional beliefs, a Neeli or Iolite gemstone bestows its wearer with feelings of mental peace and tranquility. Astrologers believe that when it comes to curing psychological problems, this magnificent stone can surpass almost every other gem. Iolite (Neeli) or Kaka Neeli benefits the sleep cycle of the wearers and helps them to stay calm and composed throughout the toughest phases of their lives.
Bring solace in life: Association with Lord of Justice, Shaani, makes Iolite a powerful gemstone. It is popularly known for empowering the planet Saturn in the native’s birth chart. Neeli (Iolite) is said to have great metaphysical qualities and healing properties that develop intuitive powers in the wearer and counter the lack of motivation in their lives. Besides nurturing personal relationships, this gemstone also assists to communicate with your inner-self and provides relief to those suffering from depression and disorientation.
Origin: The majority of Iolite mines are found in India, Brazil, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. However, substantial amounts of this gem are also mined in Myanmar (Burma), Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and the USA. The seafaring Norse people of southern Scandinavia in north-western Europe, named Vikings, were believed to have mined iolite roughs from the deposits of Norway and Greenland in the 8th–11th centuries.
Out of all these origins, Indian Iolite and Madagascar Iolite are known for their fine quality luster and vitreous hue. The famous Neeli gemstones of the Indian subcontinent can rival many other blue gemstones in world commerce with their brilliant blue color and eye-catchy shine. Thus, Indian Iolites are considered to be the most sought-after variety of iolite gems in the global gemstone industry.
Color: The shades of Iolite gemstone range from light to deep blue, with a little purplish tinge in it. Bluish violet, Bluish purple, and yellowish-grey are some common color varieties of Iolite gem. Being a pleochroic stone, also known as Dichroite, Kaka Neeli exhibits different tones of blue color on viewing from different angles. In order to avail maximum astrological benefits, usually, a bright medium to deep blue-colored Iolite is highly desirable.
In terms of the price of Neeli ratan, color plays a vital role. The value of an Iolite gemstone depends majorly on its color tone and saturation. A soft medium violetish-blue Iolite gem with uniform saturation is considered most precious. While on the other hand, a pale or excessive murky blue Iolite with an inky-like strain is relatively considered less valuable.
Clarity: Iolite gemstone falls under Type II clarity. In general, it is quite a transparent gemstone with a few visible inclusions. As per the trade experts, the lesser is the inclusions, higher is the quality of a gemstone. The same rule is applicable to Iolite gemstones too. An eye-clean piece of Iolite gem with optimum transparency draws a far higher value in international gemstone auctions than an included one of the same weight.
However, these stones are commonly included with rutile, natural mineral inclusions, or metallic platelets. The presence of such visible inclusions, pits, or scratches reduces the price of Neeli gemstone in the market. There arises another exceptional variety in Iolite gemstone with the name of ‘Bloodshot Iolite’. It contains an array of brownish to reddish platelets and is considered quite valuable on account of its rare availability.
Cut: Shape and cut also bear an influence on the overall value of an Iolite gemstone. Since it displays a pleochroism effect, (phenomena of reflecting different shades of blue when viewed from different angles) cut is the key factor of this remarkable quality. Henceforth, cutting an Iolite rough needs special attention, experience, and perfection in order to maintain the desired brightness and shimmer.
On the ground of quality, a skillfully shaped and faceted cut Iolite stone displays the best of its hue, clarity, and luster. Cushion, square, trillion cuts usually grab a high value in comparison to an oval and round Iolite stone. Those who are looking for a reasonably cheaper option can go for cabochons Iolites, which are polished but non-faceted gems.
Carat Weight: Fine quality natural Iolite gemstones are rarely found in big sizes. Therefore, the per-carat price of an Iolite stone substantially increases with an increase in the carat weight of the stone. You can explore Caratgallery, the online gem Bazar for certified and natural Iolite gemstones online at the most reasonable price range.
The ultimate price of any gemstone depends upon its quality. Similarly, the per-carat price of Iolite stone largely depends upon its 4 c’s (cut, color, clarity, and carat size) quality and origin. Iolite gemstone jewelry is worn for astrological benefits as well as for fashion jewelry. In order to ensure the purchase of the best quality Iolite gemstone, examine the quality of stone on the basis of its cut, color, clarity, and origin while buying.
Neeli gemstone or Iolite stone price Per carat starts from $4 (Rs. 300 approx.) and can reach up to $60 (Rs 4,500 approx.) depending upon its size, quality, and origin. However, these prices may vary owing to the difference in the cycle of demand and supply in various countries such as India, the USA, the UK, and the UAE.
According to the Indian Vedic astrology, Iolite is associated with the planet Jupiter and Saturn or Lord ‘Shaani’. Therefore, it is known as Shani Priya or Neeli stone in Hindi. Those who have Saturn laying at a weak position in their house of horoscope. Neeli is worn to strengthen this weak position of Saturn in an individual birth chart. It is considered highly beneficial for people who are undergoing the tough phase of ‘Sade Shani Dasha’ or ‘Shaani Mahadasha’ in their lives.
Iolite is one of the best gemstone gifts for the 21st wedding anniversary. Indian astrology recommends Neeli gemstone for Capricorn and Aquarius zodiac signs or Makar and Kumbh Vedic Rashi. Whereas western astrological science prescribes Iolite as the birthstone for Virgo, Pisces, and Sagittarius sun signs. Owners of Gemini, Virgo, and Taurus can also wear and avail benefits of Neeli or Iolite gemstone.
