The IOL-02 shows a dark iolite gemstone, this stone has a very saturated color and can appear almost black in normal light conditions. The popularity of this deep color iolite gem mainly comes from men who prefer to use if for their gold or 925 sterling silver iolite gemstone rings. While iolite gems are available in the light, medium and dark color shades, it is the medium color iolite that is in high demand. Very often medium color iolite gems can closely resemble the color of tanzanite. These are not the same gemstone and tanzanite is many times more expensive as compared to iolite. Since Directstones custom cuts every single gemstone, we can provide iolite in the color shade of your choice. Check out more iolite gems and information on the iolite gem stone at http://www.iolite.directstones.com/iolite-gemstones-01.htm