Natural Iolite Stone (Kaka Neeli) 5.86 Carat (6.44 Ratti) Oval Shape
SKU: TSGTL3665
Gemstone & Physical Specifications
Details of this stone, with the standard gemological properties of its species.
- Weight
- 5.86 Carat (≈ 6.44 Ratti)
- Shape / Cut
- Oval Shape
- Treatment
- Unheated & Untreated
- Transparency / Clarity
- Transparent
- Hardness
- 7.0 - 7.5
- Specific Gravity (S.G.)
- 2.58 - 2.66 (approx.)
- Conclusion / Identification
- Natural Iolite
- Certificate / Report No.
- TSGTL3665
- Dimensions
- 11.4 x 11.0 x 6.7 mm
- Origin
- Indian
- Color
- Blue
- Species / Mineral
- Natural Cordierite
- Refractive Index (R.I.)
- 1.54 - 1.55
- Fluorescence
- None
- Certification Lab
- The Standard Gem Testing Laboratory (An ISO 9001-2015 Certified Laboratory)
Detailed Product Description
This Iolite Stone (Kaka Neeli) weighs 5.86 carat (6.44 ratti) and measures 11.4 x 11.0 x 6.7 mm, with a blue colour and an oval shape. It is of Indian origin and is unheated and untreated. It comes with a lab report from The Standard Gem Testing Laboratory, which identifies it as natural iolite.
Iolite, known in India as Neeli or Kaka Neeli, is the gem variety of the mineral cordierite, a magnesium aluminium silicate in which a little iron gives the violet-blue colour. It is one of the most strongly pleochroic gems: seen from one direction it is blue to violet, and from another pale yellowish grey to almost colourless, so cutters orient it to show the blue face-up. Each stone is chosen for its own colour, clarity, cut and weight.
Appearance
Because iolite is strongly pleochroic, it can show violet-blue, greyish-blue or yellowish tones depending on the viewing angle, and its blue can look deeper or lighter as the light changes. This lively colour play is a natural property of the mineral, not a flaw. The photos and video show this stone's colour, clarity and proportions, so you see exactly what you will receive.
Traditional Use
In Vedic astrology, iolite (known as Neeli or Kaka Neeli) is traditionally associated with Saturn (Shani) and is often chosen as an upratna, or substitute gemstone, for Blue Sapphire (Neelam). Neeli and Neelam are different gemstones. Customers buying it for astrological use usually follow their astrologer's or Pandit ji's guidance.
Care
Iolite is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it resists everyday scratches, and a few easy habits keep it looking its best. It has cleavage in one direction and is not very tough, so keep it away from hard knocks, which can chip or split it. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and dry it well. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners, high heat and sudden temperature changes, and store it separately from harder gems such as sapphire and diamond.
Compare similar stones in our Iolite Stones (Neeli Stone) collection, or read the Iolite (Kaka Neeli) buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lab report say about this Kaka Neeli?
It identifies this stone as natural iolite and records the weight, dimensions, colour, shape, refractive index, specific gravity and hardness shown above. The report card is shown in the photos.
Is Neeli the same as Blue Sapphire (Neelam)?
No. Neeli is iolite, the gem variety of cordierite, while Blue Sapphire (Neelam) is corundum, a harder and much denser mineral. Tanzanite and glass can also look similar; a laboratory tells them apart by refractive index and specific gravity, which is why every Ratna Gems Neeli comes with its own lab report. In Vedic tradition Neeli is chosen as a substitute for Neelam, but it is a different gemstone.
Which planet is Neeli associated with?
Saturn (Shani). In Vedic astrology, Neeli is traditionally associated with this planet. This is a traditional belief, not a promise of any result, and customers usually follow their astrologer's or Pandit ji's guidance.
Why does iolite change colour when it is turned?
Because of pleochroism, a natural property of iolite: it absorbs light differently along different crystal directions. As the stone turns, its colour moves between violet-blue and paler greyish or yellowish tones; the photos and video show this stone from several angles.
Can this Neeli be set in a ring or pendant?
Yes, at 11.4 x 11.0 x 6.7 mm it suits a ring or pendant. Because iolite has cleavage, a protective setting such as a bezel is a good choice for a ring; share the dimensions with your jeweller so the setting is made to fit the stone.
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Customer Reviews
Verified feedback across our certified Iolite Stones (Neeli Stone) collection. Because each natural gemstone is rare and one-of-a-kind, reviews reflect genuine patron experiences with this gemstone family.