Iolite is also called Dichroite or Cordierite, or water sapphires in places like Sri Lanka. At the same time as most Iolite readily available in the market today is imported from Burma, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Madagascar and parts of Wyoming in the United States, this particular stone can be found in colors such as violet blue, light blue, blue, rich blue violet, and transparent. The gemstone is a blue silicate mineral and has a somewhat extraordinary optical property of changing color depending upon the angle of viewing. These days this stone can be easily procured through online portals like wholesale jewelry supply dealers. You can get your hands on Iolite beads, pendants, strings, etc for reasonable prices.

The stone has many stories and historic associations, but most popularly ornaments made using this stone were worn by sailors and mariners in the past. Being called the Vikings’ compass because of its ability to find out the direction of the sun on cloudy and dreary days, the stone was worn as pendants by Viking mariners while sailing the wide open seas. They even used thin cut pieces of Iolite as lens to locate the exact position of the sun and navigate through rough waters safely. The gem is also believed to have some healing properties. It is recommended by stone healers that people suffering from ailments of the eyes or sleep disorders like insomnia, wear this stones. Some also believe that Iolite improves a person’s memory.

In today’s times iolite is used in necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings and so on, and you can find the gemstone skillfully cut in conventional as well as trendy shapes and sizes for the likes of jewelry makers such as you. Most jewelry makers choose this stone in its violet blue hue, attractive for creative and elegant designs. But, in view of the fact that this gem can show a lot of different hues in the same stone, it may be important to find a wholesale beads dealer that ensures similar hues and quality of the gem when bought in bulk. Very similar in look to the Amethyst, Iolite still had its distinct features that make it stand apart from the rest. Plus, in most cases it is a lot cheaper as compared to a good quality amethyst stone.

Iolite beads are most popular among jewelry makers and these can be found in various sizes and shapes such as the smooth round, faceted round, faceted roundelle, faceted rectangular, faceted oval, faceted disc, faceted teardrop, faceted center drilled teardrop, smooth rectangular, smooth square, faceted square, faceted coin shape, smooth flat round, flat teardrop, faceted briolette, smooth teardrop, faceted pentagonal shape, faceted pear shape, etc. All you have to do is find a reliable dealer and start buying your supplies today!