Iolite beads (or Cordierite) are a transparent and a strongly pleochroic gemstone appearing as a dark blue, medium violetish blue and colorless gem. (Pleochroic minerals show different colors depending on which direction the viewer is observing the crystal.). Cordierite is named after the French geologist P. L. A. Cordier. The name Iolite is derived from the Greek ``los``, meaning violet. Iolite is mined in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Myanmar (Burma), Australia, Namibia, Brazil, Tanzania, Madagascar, Connecticut, and Yellowknife, Canada.