The iolite gem is basically a violet-blue gem. Like most other gemstones iolite can be found in a few color shades too. The very pale iolite gems are not very popular and are generally used to produce low quality wholesale iolite gemstone jewelry. The iolite gem color shade that is most sought after is, the medium color iolite. This color shade can sometimes closely resemble the color of tanzanite. You should however know that iolite and tanzanite are not the same gemstone. One very interesting thing about iolite is the pleochroism effect. The gem can appear to be a rich violet shade from one side, a greyish blue from the other and almost colorless when seen from another angle. Directstones procures rough iolite gemstones directly from miners and custom cuts them inhouse. You can therefore request for iolit in any shape and size that you require. With no minimum order requirements in terms of value or volume, we welcome even the smallest single piece orders. Check out more information on iolite gems and see a collection of iolite stones at http://www.iolite.directstones.com/iolite-gemstones-01.htm