Purple Gemstones and Crystals

The world of gemstones shimmers with a vast array of colors, but there's something undeniably captivating about purple stones. Purple gemstones and crystals have captivated humanity for centuries with their rich, regal hues and enchanting properties. From the vibrant amethyst to the deep, mysterious sugilite, purple gemstones offer a unique blend of beauty, symbolism, and affordability.

Amethyst

Amethyst Perhaps the most famous purple gemstone, amethyst is a type of quartz that comes in a range of beautiful shades, from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. Amethyst has been prized for centuries for its beauty and durability. It has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it resistant to scratching and wear. This makes it a versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of jewelry applications, from rings and necklaces to earrings and bracelets. It is the February birthstone and is believed to promote healing, protection, and wisdom.

Charoite

Charoite is a captivating purple gemstone renowned for its unique and mesmerizing patterns. This rare mineral, found exclusively in Siberia, showcases a rich spectrum of purple hues, from soft lilac to deep violet, often interspersed with striking streaks and swirls of white, black, and even gold. Charoite has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it moderately durable for various uses. While it is not typically used in rings due to its relative softness, it shines brilliantly in cabochons, pendants, and ornamental carvings. This gemstone is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its metaphysical properties, believed to transform negative energy into healing and to inspire courage and inner strength.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the violet-blue to blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. Found almost exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, its namesake location, this gemstone possesses a fascinating property called pleochroism. Pleochroism allows the stone to display different colors depending on the viewing direction. A single tanzanite gem can appear blue, violet, or even reddish-purple depending on how the light hits it. Due to its rarity, tanzanite can be quite valuable. The price of a particular stone depends on its size, color, clarity, and cut. While a relatively hard gemstone (ranking 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale), tanzanite can still chip or scratch if not cared for properly. It is believed to represent wisdom and truth, creativity and imagination, intuition and spiritual awareness, communication and understanding, prosperity and abundance, and even passion and romance.

Sugilite

Sugilite gemstones

Sugilite is a rare and enchanting gemstone known for its rich, vibrant purple color. It ranges from pale pinkish-purple to deep, intense violet, often with intriguing black or white inclusions. This captivating range isn't magic, but science! The presence of manganese infuses Sugilite with its mesmerizing color, making it a standout amongst gemstones. While rarely found in crystal form, Sugilite typically occurs in massive formations, perfect for carving into stunning cabochons or showcasing in intricate jewelry designs. Despite its moderate hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, it is relatively durable and suitable for various types of jewelry, especially in cabochon form, making it ideal for pendants, brooches, and earrings.

First discovered in Japan in 1944 by Ken-ichi Sugi (hence the name), gem-quality Sugilite wasn't found until decades later in South Africa. Today, this captivating stone enjoys particular popularity in Japan, where it's sometimes called "Luvulite" or "Royal Azel." Sugilite is not just a visual delight; it is also revered for its healing properties, believed to offer protection from negative energies and to promote spiritual growth and well-being. This gemstone is a wonderful choice for those seeking both beauty and metaphysical benefits.

Kunzite

Kunzite Gemstone

Kunzite is a delightful gemstone known for its delicate and captivating pink to violet hues. This variety of spodumene can range from a soft pastel pink to a more vibrant lilac, offering a spectrum of romantic and elegant shades. Kunzite has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it reasonably durable for a range of jewelry applications. It is especially popular in rings, necklaces, and earrings, where its brilliance and clarity can be showcased. Named after famed gemologist George Frederick Kunz, who first identified its unique qualities, Kunzite is a relatively rare gemstone. Kunzite often displays a stronger pleochroism, meaning its color can change more dramatically depending on the viewing angle. This gemstone, often referred to as the "evening stone" due to its tendency to fade under prolonged exposure to sunlight, is prized for its soothing energy. Kunzite is believed to promote emotional healing, encourage love and compassion, and provide a sense of peace and tranquility.

Labradorite

Labradorite is an extraordinary gemstone celebrated for its unique optical phenomenon known as labradorescence. This remarkable effect causes the stone to display a stunning play of colors, typically in shades of blue, green, and gold, as light hits its surface. However, Purple Labradorite holds a secret revealed by light. Unlike its more common counterparts, this rare variety forgoes the typical blues and greens. Instead, it showcases a mesmerizing display of deep purple hues as light interacts with its internal structure. This play of color, almost magical in its vibrancy, sets Purple Labradorite apart from other gemstones.

With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, Purple Labradorite shares the moderate durability of Labradorite, making it suitable for a variety of jewelry pieces, including rings, pendants, and bracelets. This gemstone is not only admired for its striking visual appeal but also for its metaphysical properties, just like regular Labradorite. Purple Labradorite is believed to enhance intuition, protect against negative energies, and promote spiritual insight, making it a favorite among those seeking both aesthetic beauty and spiritual growth.

Purple sapphire

Purple sapphires

Purple sapphires, also sometimes called violet sapphires are a truly stunning gemstone with a captivating range of colors. Purple sapphires are a variety of the corundum mineral, just like blue sapphires and rubies. Their color is caused by small amounts of titanium and iron impurities. The exact combination of these elements determines the specific shade of purple, which can range from a light lavender to a deep plum. Today, purple sapphires are still seen as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. They are also popular choices for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. Their unique color makes them a truly special gemstone.

Purple Fluorite

Polished Purple Fluorite

Purple Fluorite is a variety of the mineral fluorite that comes in a range of beautiful purple hues, from pale lavender to deep violet. It is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be scratched by harder materials like quartz. However, its softness is balanced by its affordability and abundance, making it a popular choice for other decorative items. Purple Fluorite is believed to have a number of metaphysical properties. It is often associated with the mind and spirit, and is said to promote mental clarity, focus, and intuition.

Purpurite

Purpurite Gemstones

Purpurite is a rare and striking gemstone known for its vivid purple hues, ranging from soft violet to deep reddish-purple, often with brown or black undertones. This coloration results from the presence of manganese and iron. Found in massive formations ideal for carving, purpurite has a hardness of 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for cabochon jewelry like pendants and brooches despite its relative softness.

Discovered in locations such as Namibia, Australia, Portugal, and the USA, purpurite is cherished by collectors for its rarity and unique beauty. Its sub-vitreous to dull luster and translucence add to its allure. Beyond its visual appeal, purpurite is valued for its metaphysical properties. It enhances spiritual growth, promotes transformation, and aids in clear communication. It also offers protective energies and supports physical healing, particularly for blood-related issues.