[Rockhounds] Serendipity!

[Axel Emmermann]

Larry,
 
> but I have tried a number of times to
> orient the Iolite in daylight to test the Viking theory, and I have never
> been able to see any color change at all, in any axial direction. Maybe
it's
> me, maybe it's the pieces I have, 

[Axel] I'm afraid that some mineral dealers use the name iolite rather
loosely to get a better price. Real iolite is quite pricy.  I have seen some
real iolite specimens and the color change is unmistakable.

>but it just hasn't worked for me. Maybe
> the atmosphere in Connecticut is less polarizing than in Scandinavia???

[Axel] I think that is indeed the case. But then again, the theory of the
Viking iolite navigation is 
 
> But it's a great story, and I repeat it myself to anyone interested!!

[Axel] That it is! I looked at the specimens and even for 'plain' cordierite
15 $ IS a bargain. Well done!

Axel