A violet-blue stone, Iolite is also known as Water Sapphire. Sometimes it includes hematite which can change the colouration to reddish. It is pleochroic, an optical phenomenon that means it can appear to be a different colour when viewed from a different angle, and this characteristic helps us to see things from different viewpoints, gain new perspectives and to change rigid mindsets. Equally, it can help us to separate out our own thoughts from others and aids decision-making. Iolite brings empathy to us and those around us and can also help us to discern whether or not people need our help. It helps to blend logic and imagination, science and magic and the humane and Soul aspects of our Self, bringing an understanding of the duality of existence.