Nothing is more exciting for people who love purple, nothing is more exciting than adding a piece of purple gemstone jewelry to your accessories collection. While purple is a rare color for gems overall, there are many stones that offer beautiful purple coloring, ranging from beautiful stones in light lilacs or lavenders to deep eggplants and other dark purples.
If purple is one of your favourite colours, learning about the various purple gems used in jewelry can make finding your next piece a breeze. The colour purple has long been associated with royalty, nobility, and high luxury, symbolizing power and spiritual significance throughout history. The colour purple holds deep cultural, historical, and metaphysical significance, revered for its associations with royalty, spirituality, and healing. Here’s a look at purple stones, as well as the 24 most popular gemstones used in jewelry.
Introduction to Purple Gemstones
Purple gemstones have captivated jewelry enthusiasts and collectors for centuries, thanks to their association with luxury, nobility, and spiritual power. The mesmerizing purple colour found in these stones ranges from the soft, pale lilac of lavender jade to the intense, deep purple colour of amethyst and other rare gems. The purple colour in these gemstones is often due to impurities such as iron, manganese, copper, and chromium, as well as unique geological factors that contribute to their distinctive hues. Historically, purple gemstones have been associated with royalty, spirituality, and creativity, further enhancing their allure. In ancient Roman society, the colour purple was reserved for the elite, symbolizing wealth and power, further strengthening the historical significance of these stones. The deep purple colour, in particular, greatly enhances the gemstone's value, beauty, and mystique, making these stones especially prized among collectors. Each shade of purple carries its own unique charm, offering vibrant hues that can be both soothing and striking. Whether you’re drawn to the regal look of deep purple or the delicate beauty of pale lilac, there’s a perfect purple gemstone to match every personality and style. With their rich history and undeniable allure, it’s no surprise that purple gemstones remain some of the most popular and sought-after stones in the world of jewelry.
A Guide to Purple Gemstones: Meaning and Benefits
There are many potential connections regarding the meaning and benefits of purple gemstones. There are many possible connections, though they vary depending on a person’s belief system. Some find purple gems soothing. Purple gemstones are also believed to promote emotional balance and help dispel negative emotions such as anxiety or sadness. Others connect purple gems to positivity, respect, and harmony.
In feng shui, purple is often associated with prosperity, good fortune, and wealth. Many also feel that purple supports a sense of self-worth, enhances mental clarity and creativity, and assists with a sense of peace. Additionally, purple gemstones are thought to attract positive energy and foster a harmonious environment.
When it comes to chakras, the crown chakra is most commonly associated with purple. The crown chakra represents a person’s connection with the divine or their higher self, often playing a critical role in spiritual development and higher consciousness. Additionally, purple gemstones are also linked to the third eye chakra, which is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual connection, making them highly valued in metaphysical practices.
However, purple gemstones that lean blue – making them a shade of indigo – may connect with the third-eye chakra. It’s said to support self-expression and freedom of thought, and to be strongly associated with inner peace, knowledge and wisdom.
The metaphysical properties of purple gemstones are highly valued for their ability to support spiritual growth, emotional healing, and overall well-being. These qualities enhance the appeal of purple gemstones beyond their physical beauty.
Characteristics of Purple Gemstones
What makes purple gemstones so enchanting is their remarkable range of colours and unique optical effects. The signature purple colour in these stones is typically the result of trace elements—such as manganese, iron, or titanium—within their chemical composition. The specific chemical makeup, including the presence and proportions of these elements and impurities, directly influences the distinct coloration of each gemstone. This can produce everything from light purple and pale lilac to deep violet and rich hues that seem to glow from within. Purple gemstones can display different hues or shades depending on the angle, lighting, or any treatments they have undergone, adding to their visual appeal. Some purple gemstones, such as purple sapphires and purple diamonds, are extremely rare and highly prized for their striking colour and scarcity.
In contrast, others, such as amethyst, are more accessible yet equally beautiful. Amethyst and spinel are popular examples of the purple variety, celebrated for their unique coloration and widespread appeal among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. The most durable purple gemstones suitable for everyday wear include amethyst (hardness 7), purple sapphire (hardness 9), purple tourmaline (hardness 7-7.5), and purple topaz (hardness 8).
Many purple stones are semi-transparent or even fully transparent, allowing light to play across their surfaces and reveal different shades from different angles. Some, like certain sapphires, may even display pleochroism, shifting in colour as you move them.
Additionally, some gemstones exhibit the alexandrite effect—a natural phenomenon where the stone changes colour under different lighting conditions. Colour-change sapphire is a notable example, displaying this rare and captivating optical property. With such a diverse palette and fascinating properties, purple gemstones are a favourite among those who appreciate both the science and artistry of natural gemstones.
Healing Properties of Purple Gemstones
Purple gemstones are celebrated not only for their stunning appearance but also for their powerful healing properties. The most popular purple gemstone, amethyst, is renowned for promoting emotional balance, calming the mind, and fostering inner peace. Many people turn to amethyst to help ease negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and sadness, making it a favourite for those seeking tranquillity in their daily lives. Historically, amethyst was used by ancient Greeks and Romans to remain sober and clear-headed, further highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance.
Purple tourmaline is another popular purple gemstone known for its vibrant hues and grounding energy. It is believed to help balance the body’s energy, providing a sense of stability and protection against negative influences. This makes purple tourmaline a wonderful choice for anyone looking to enhance their emotional resilience and overall well-being.
Purple fluorite, with its striking colour and clarity, is often used to boost mental focus, intuition, and clarity of thought. Many believe that keeping purple fluorite nearby can help clear mental fog and support decision-making, making it a valuable stone for students, professionals, and anyone seeking greater insight.
These healing properties can be experienced in a variety of ways, from wearing purple gemstone jewelry to meditating with purple crystals or simply placing them in your living space. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant hues of purple fluorite or the soothing energy of amethyst, incorporating these popular purple gemstones into your life can help promote emotional balance, inner peace, and a more positive outlook.
List of Purple Stones
Purple Amethyst
Amethyst is often the most well-known and most popular purple gemstone, primarily because it’s readily accessible and strikingly beautiful. As the purple variety of quartz, amethyst stands out for its unique coloration and widespread popularity among purple gemstones. The amethyst stone forms naturally in geodes and displays a range of colours from pale lilac to deep violet, and is valued for its metaphysical properties, such as promoting calm and spiritual growth. This unique gemstone is also the February birthstone, making it incredibly popular among those who enjoy birthstone jewelry. Amethyst's abundance, affordability, and excellent durability, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, further contribute to its status as the most popular purple gemstone.
Generally, amethyst appears in mid-toned to dark purples in jewelry. However, there are lighter versions, too; they just aren’t as popular as those with stronger purple colouring.
Amethysts are a beautiful stone, often associated with mystery and royalty. The stone is also incredibly durable, which makes it a solid choice for everyday wear. Plus, amethyst jewelry is affordable when compared to many other gemstones, and it comes in several forms, including faceted stones, cabochons, and beads. As a result, it’s an accessible option.
Purple Diamonds
Potentially the rarest purple gemstone, purple diamonds come in an array of colours, including orchid, mauve, and plum. Typically, its colouring is due to a higher hydrogen content, which not only produces magnificent hues but can also make purple diamonds more durable than some of their counterparts.
Generally, the deeper the purple hue, the more valuable the diamond. As a result, diamonds in shades of lilac or light orchid are typically more affordable than those in hues closer to grape. However, because purple diamonds are rare, any shade is usually an investment.
Purple Sapphire
While sapphire is classically known for its strong blue colouring, there are dark purple sapphire varieties, though they’re incredibly rare. Generally, purple sapphires form when large amounts of chromium are present, resulting in a colour that differs from the more common blue varieties.
The strength of the colouring can vary, with some being closer to a light or mid-tone than others. A very rare variety known as colour-change sapphire can shift from blue or violet to purple under different lighting conditions, such as incandescent light, due to trace elements in the stone. This phenomenon is known as the alexandrite effect, which refers to the gemstone's unique ability to change colour under different lighting conditions, highlighting its rarity. Additionally, caution is needed when wearing purple sapphires, as excessive heat or radiation exposure can cause the colour to change. However, purple sapphires are durable, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9, making purple sapphire jewelry suitable for long wear.
Purple Spinel
Purple spinel is rare, but it remains reasonably affordable. The colouring of purple spinel is due to the presence of beryllium, which produces lavender to deep-violet hues, often with a rosy tinge.
Spinel is also transparent, so it’s often faceted to showcase the amazing colour. Relatively large spinels are usually available at affordable prices, making them a solid choice for statement jewelry. Compared to blue spinels, purple spinels are generally less vibrant but can be rarer and sometimes more valuable, depending on the specific hue and clarity. Purple spinel is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for long-term wear in spinel jewelry.
Purple Chalcedony
Purple chalcedony is a quartz variety that comes in a range of purple shades. Purple chalcedony is formed from quartz crystals, which contribute to its durability and visual appeal. Light, soft lilacs or lavenders are common, as well as deeper purple shades. In some cases, the stones also feature banding in hues such as white, gray, or colourless, adding visual interest. As with many chalcedonies, these stones are also pretty durable, often falling between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making chalcedony jewelry easy to wear.
Purple Kunzite
Comparatively speaking, kunzite is a relatively recent discovery, initially being described in 1902. Kunzite usually comes in shades of purple or pink, and it typically exhibits exceptional clarity and transparency. Also, kunzite jewelry is durable, often rated as hard as quartz on the Mohs hardness scale.
One unique feature of kunzite is its pleochroism, which can cause it to appear in two different colours depending on the lighting or viewing angle. Generally, the purple shade is also on the lighter side, giving the stone a sense of delicacy. Kunzite is a purple gemstone that can fade if exposed to too much light or heat, making it suitable for occasional wear. Kunzite often displays a violetish purple hue, which enhances its appeal in jewelry.
💜 “Adore purple stones? Browse our Purple Jewellery Collection with Amethyst, Lepidolite, and Charoite.”
Purple Tourmaline
Purple tourmaline is a rare gemstone, which means it often has a higher value and can be a bit more expensive than some alternatives. The purple shades typically result from the presence of specific impurities, such as manganese and copper. Often, there's a slight pinkish tinge to the deep purple tourmaline, potentially making it closer to a deep magenta or plum, perfect for tourmaline jewelry. Purple tourmaline is known for its vibrant colour and durability, scoring 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Purple Zoisite (Tanzanite)
Purple zoisite – also known as tanzanite – is a December birthstone, and it can come in colours ranging from blue to violet, with many gems sitting close to indigo. Some tanzanite stones may also display blue-green tones, adding to their visual diversity. Some are lighter-hued, while others have deep colour, resulting in a wide range of hues.
Usually, purple zoisite is transparent, making it suitable for faceting. Overall, tanzanite is a rare mineral, which makes it valuable. As a result, some consider purple zoisite a luxury stone because it’s often expensive. Tanzanite is a unique purple gemstone found only in Tanzania.
Purple Fluorite
comes in various colours, with purple among the most popular. Fluorite gemstones are usually translucent or transparent, making them suitable for jewelry. However, loose pieces are more common, as they're widely used in various spiritual practices.
In many cases, purple fluorite has colouring that's similar to amethyst. However, it also fluoresces under ultraviolet light, giving people a simple way to tell the two apart if there's any doubt. It's also important to note that fluorite is prone to chipping and scratching, so it's best to limit its use in fluorite jewelry to low-contact pieces, such as pendants and earrings.
Purple Agate
With purple agate, you usually see strong purple and white, leading to unique banded patterns. Purple agate is considered a gemstone, valued for its composite mineral structure and suitability for jewelry. Since purple agate isn’t transparent, it’s traditionally polished or tumbled, allowing the colouring to take center stage.
Overall, purple agate isn’t common since it doesn’t occur naturally often. Additionally, it’s critical to note that some agate jewelry producers use dyes to accent the purple colouring, so exercise caution if you’re buying from an unfamiliar source.
Purple Jasper
While Jasper is most commonly red, it can also come in various shades of purple, often with a reddish tinge. Generally, purple jasper is fairly opaque, and each piece can feature unique patterning due to the stone’s common veining. Jasper is also a popular lapidary rock, prized for its workability and unique patterns. Jasper is considered a gem rock, making it suitable for cutting, polishing, and use in jewelry.
Since it’s possible to find larger pieces, purple jasper is a good option for statement jewelry pieces. Plus, Jasper jewelry is tough enough to withstand wear and tear.
Purple Jade
While the colour green is what usually comes to mind when people think about jade, there are purple varieties. With purple jade, shades of lilac or lavender are widely available on the market, but there are also jade gemstones with a darker purple colouring. Only jadeite, not nephrite, can naturally exhibit purple coloration, making it unique among jade varieties. Lavender jade, a variety of jadeite, displays a gentle purple colour and is considered the second-most-valuable variety of jadeite after green, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Jade is usually opaque or translucent, though more transparent varieties do occur and are often highly valuable. The most valuable purple jade stones are those that display a uniform colour, as this quality is rare and significantly enhances both their value and aesthetic appeal. Purple jade is strong but can be prone to scratching, so it’s critical to take care when wearing it or cleaning a jade jewelry piece.
Purple Garnet
While garnets are typically red, purple garnet does occur. Many purple garnets have a reddish tint, putting them closer to the violet variety. Most form when chromium impurities exist in umbalite, though other garnet types can also lean purple depending on how they're formed. For example, purple pyrope-almandine garnets – usually referred to as rhodolite garnets – often have a colour range from cranberry to grape.
Purple Scapolite
Purple scapolite has a crystalline structure and often has a fibrous appearance in its raw form. In some cases, the silk-like strands give scapolite a cat's-eye effect, though this doesn't always occur in natural specimens.
Generally, purple scapolite is a softer, translucent stone, so it's more commonly cut into cabochons. Additionally, since its hardness score is usually closer to 4 or 5, jewelry featuring it tends to be low-contact, such as pendants or earrings.
Purple Sugilite
Sugilite is a rare purple gemstone often mistaken for charoite, known for its rich purple colour. Purple sugilite is a translucent or opaque gemstone with pink to purple hues, frequently featuring a mix of both or sections that are white, gray, or black, along with unique swirling or striated patterning. Generally, sugilite is used for cabochons or beads, though simple polished or tumbled versions are also somewhat common in sugilite jewelry. However, sugilite jewelry itself isn't widely available in many cases.
.
Overall, sugilite is a softer stone with a rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. As a result, it's usually reserved for special occasion wear.
Charoite
Charoite is a rare gemstone that’s highly distinct, with many gemstone aficionados easily recognizing it on sight. Along with strong purple colouring, it often has swirling patterns that make each specimen unique. Charoite may also feature whitish, string-like inclusions known as ‘granny hair,’ which are characteristic of this gemstone. Charoite is considered a gem rock, as it is composed of multiple minerals and can be cut and polished for gemstone use. Found only in the Chara River region of Siberia, Russia, charoite is celebrated for its rarity and unique swirling patterns, making it a standout choice for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Additionally, charoite is known as the 'stone of transformation' in healing practices, believed to support personal growth and positive change.
Since it’s translucent, it’s more commonly shaped and polished. However, the stone is heat-sensitive and isn’t necessarily the strongest, so charoite jewelry is usually reserved for occasional wear.
Purple Iolite
Typically comes in blue, indigo, purple, or violet, with purple-violet options often among the most popular. The stones are usually transparent, which causes the colouring to stand out. Purple iolite is also reasonably affordable, which is great news if you need new jewelry that won’t break the bank.
Purple iolite is believed to enhance inner vision, supporting intuition and spiritual insight.
One challenge with iolite is its tendency to chip due to cleavage. As a result, even though it’s a 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it isn’t necessarily ideal for everyday wear on high-contact iolite jewelry pieces, such as rings.
Lepidolite
Lepidolite usually has a soft colour, often appearing in hues close to lilac-gray or rosy-pink. Usually, the stone is distinctly patterned, featuring mottling or striations, and is typically slightly translucent. Overall, it's a brittle stone, so it's more commonly shaped and polished instead of faceted for lepidolite jewelry. Lepidolite is known as the 'peace stone' and is believed to promote tranquillity and emotional balance during life changes.
Ametrine
Ametrine is a beautiful gem with strikingly contrasting colours. This gem isn't technically a unique mineral. Instead, it's a combination of amethyst and citrine. As a result, ametrine stones have purple and yellow sections, making them very distinct.
Ametrine is also usually transparent, making it popular for faceting and tumbling. However, some prefer to keep the naturally-formed pieces for spiritual use.
Taaffeite
Another of the rarest purple gemstones is taaffeite, a relatively recent discovery that wasn't described until 1945. Generally, it comes in colours ranging from red to violet, and the lustre can vary from glassy to full. Overall, taaffeite falls between 8 and 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, suggesting durability, but its poor fracture toughness limits its availability.
Taaffeite is typically transparent, so it's most commonly faceted when gem-quality pieces are found. However, taaffeite jewelry is typically expensive due to its rarity.
Purple Idocrase
Idocrase – also referred to as vesuvianite – comes in a range of colours, with purple being one of the rarer versions of the gemstone. Generally, high levels of manganese lead to the purple colouring, which can lean reddish depending on the exact composition.
Since purple idocrase is typically transparent or translucent, some pieces are faceted for jewelry. However, purple idocrase stones may feature imperfections, so keep that in mind.
Purple Topaz
When it comes to topaz, purple is one of the rarest colours. In most cases, purple topaz leans toward red, placing it closer to the violet end of the spectrum. However, the purple stone's colouring is often quite strong, making it highly appealing. Purple topaz is also considered a durable gemstone, making it suitable for a wide range of jewelry. Typically, the purple crystals of the gemstones are translucent, which means they’re commonly faceted when gem-quality specimens are found.
It is important to note that not all purple topaz on the market features a naturally occurring colour. Instead, some are treated to bring out purple hues, so keep that in mind when looking for pieces.
Purple Apatite
Apatite comes in a range of colours, including purple. Often, the colouring is relatively strong, though the hues are lighter than those of some other purple gemstones. Additionally, the stones are usually transparent or translucent, though some are closer to opaque. The degree of transparency and clarity usually dictates whether purple apatite is faceted or polished. As a result, a wide variety of apatite jewelry pieces are potentially available.
Phosphosiderite
Phosphosiderite is a rare stone that contains phosphate and iron, both of which contribute to its colour. Overall, this is a softer gemstone, so it's more commonly cut as cabochons rather than faceted, even though it can come in transparent, translucent, and more opaque varieties.
Phosphosiderite comes in a range of colours, including earthy reds and browns. Purple varieties are usually closer to lavender or lilac, often leaning slightly into blue territory, making for rich purple phosphosiderite jewelry.
Jewelry Making with Purple Gemstones
The world of jewelry-making offers endless possibilities with purple gemstones. Their unique colour and spiritual significance make them a standout choice for all kinds of jewelry pieces, from bold statement rings to delicate pendants and elegant earrings. Amethyst jewelry, with its deep purple colour and affordability, is especially beloved for both everyday wear and special occasions. Many purple gemstones, such as amethyst and sapphire, are prized for their durability and high Mohs hardness, making them ideal for daily wear in rings, bracelets, and other jewelry that frequently come into contact.
For those seeking something more exclusive, purple sapphire and purple tourmaline offer a range of purples, from vibrant magentas to rich, royal hues. Lavender jade brings a soft, ethereal touch to any jewelry collection, while other purple precious stones add depth and variety. Whether you’re designing a custom piece or searching for the perfect addition to your jewelry box, purple gemstone jewelry offers a stunning way to showcase the beauty and versatility of these remarkable stones.
Frequently Asked Questions about Purple Gemstones
What Is the Rarest Purple Gem?
Several purple gemstones are incredibly rare. Purple diamonds are potentially the rarest of beautiful gems, as they don't often occur naturally. Additionally, because of their cost, most people won't encounter a purple diamond unless they specifically look for one, as they aren't widely carried in most chain jewelry stores.
Both taaffeite and purple sapphire are also incredibly rare, though likely not as rare as purple diamonds. Tanzanite is another one of the rarer purple gemstones, though it's generally more widely available than the others.
What Is the Most Valuable Purple Stone?
Generally, purple diamonds are the most valuable. Their rarity and desirability mean they typically command high prices. Since price often reflects value, purple diamonds are the most valuable purple gemstones in the eyes of most people.
What Gems Are Lavender in Colour?
Multiple gemstones can have lavender colouring. Amethyst, kunzite, fluorite, chalcedony, and tourmaline may all come in shades close to lavender. Since those stones aren't overly rare, they typically make good starting points, particularly if you prefer transparent or translucent stones.
For opaque lavender gemstones, purple jade is likely the most accessible option. However, alternatives like purple phosphosiderite are also worth considering, as they typically have a light lilac hue.
If you enjoy jewelry with unique contrasting elements, ametrine can also feature shades close to lavender. When paired with the yellow from the citrine, this creates a striking colour combination with distinct springtime vibes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purple gemstones offer a captivating array of colours, histories, and healing properties, making them a standout choice for any jewelry collection. From the deep violet brilliance of purple sapphire to the swirling patterns of purple agate, and the soft, pale lilac of lavender jade, there are purple stones to suit every style and preference. These natural gemstones are not only admired for their rich hues and striking beauty but also for their metaphysical properties, which are believed to foster emotional balance, inner peace, and positive energy.
Whether you’re seeking a rare and precious stone like purple sapphire or a more accessible option like purple agate, the world of purple gemstones offers plenty of possibilities. Their healing properties and spiritual significance add an extra layer of meaning to every piece, making them a thoughtful addition to any jewelry collection. By exploring the different types of purple gemstones and understanding how to care for them, you can enjoy both their aesthetic appeal and their ability to enhance your well-being. No matter where you are on your gemstone journey, the allure and charm of purple stones are sure to inspire and delight.
