| Vikings were the most expert sailors the world has ever known. Their longboats were hand built and could outrun even a 21st century yacht, the planking was obtained by splitting trees into planks so that the wood followed the natural grain of the tree. Modern planks that are sawn cannot offer the same flexibility. The planks were then overlapped and nailed so that air could gather between them underneath the boat. This meant that with approximately 36 rowsmen, the boat would gather enough speed so that the prow would lift above the waves, the effect being similar to a hydrofoil today, and were so fast that nothing could catch them. Not surprising then that the Vikings made it as far as Newfoundland, all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. Iolite was used by the Vikings to assist with navigation on long sea voyages. The powers of the Iolite are associated with the element of water to surround the gemstone, enhanced by the zodiacal water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Hence the meaning of this talisman - safety on journeys, especially over water. Comes with a black cord presented in a satin pouch.
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