List of 12 Popular Purple Gemstones

Sharif Khan
Sharif Khan
Last Updated    EST 
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Since ancient times, purple gemstones have been used as jewelry. This opulent tone exudes class and status, bringing a touch of elegance and refinement to any setting.

These gemstones have long been thought to have deep spiritual characteristics that aid in healing those who wear them. They are also said to have a calming impact on the mind and to help one think clearly.

For enthusiasts curious about the natural characteristics of purple gemstones and their popularity, we have compiled a list of purple jewels of various types, ranging from violet, lilac, lavender, and mauve to wine and mulberry. We also explain everything you need to know about these stunning jewels to help you pick the one most suitable to your taste.

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Purple Diamonds

purple diamonds

Known as some of the most valuable gemstones, purple diamonds develop when a great deal of hydrogen is present during the creation process. Purple diamonds are significantly more durable than their conventional counterparts due to hydrogen hardening, which is difficult to believe. These magnificent stones are highly uncommon and costly, especially if the color is vibrant and intense. On the other hand, enhanced or synthetic alternatives are significantly less expensive.

Purple diamonds are known by several nicknames that characterize the stone's hue, including Lilac, Orchid, Lavender, Grape, and Plum Diamonds. Purple diamonds of high grades are typically sought after by collectors, diamond enthusiasts, and those with a taste for high-end jewelry.

Jewelers use the purple tint inside the diamond to estimate its worth. A deep purple diamond is rarer and hence of a greater grade than a light orchid hue diamond. Lilac, Orchid, Lavender, and Grape diamonds are all nicknames for different hues of purple diamonds.

Purple Spinel

purple spinel

Despite their rarity, purple spinels are still reasonably priced. This beautiful jewel comes in various purple hues, but the most popular are mauve and lilac. Purple spinel is famous for daily jewelry due to its hardness; it stands at eight on the Mohs scale. However, it fits with any outfit, as do most stones.

Purple spinels may be produced in a lab, although the majority are wild and untreated. Given that this stone's color comes from naturally occurring beryllium, it is impossible to duplicate its purple color artificially. Spinels are now sourced from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

On account of its colorful nature, it is frequently cut into faceted gemstone forms to accentuate its brilliance. Although purple spinel may be manufactured, it is seldom improved or processed. Hence, the color you see in a purple spinel stone is most likely natural.

Purple Amethyst

Once considered as valuable as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, amethyst is the most common purple gemstone. Unfortunately, this legacy ended when this gemstone was discovered in abundance in Brazil. Thus, they are quite prevalent now.

Amethysts come in various purple hues, making them popular among people who appreciate the color; the deepest hues are the best and most expensive. Depending on its quality, an amethyst may cost anywhere from $10 to $700. While stones with a deeper hue might come at a heftier price, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause them to fade.

Amethyst gemstones are a versatile addition to any woman's jewelry collection because they can be worn with bright, neutral ensembles. Lighter tones give your outfit a more delicate mood, while darker colors make you seem livelier. However, because amethyst only has a Mohs hardness of 7, you should avoid scratching or bumping your amethyst ring or bracelet.

Purple Chalcedony

purple chalcedony

An Indonesian quartz stone from Mamuju, Indonesia, this gemstone comes in various opaque and transparent purple hues. Purple Chalcedony's colors span from light lilac to deep purple, making it a popular choice among purple gemstone collectors. Depending on the hue, it is also reasonably priced, from $10 to $500.

On the Mohs scale, this stone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It has no cleavages, implying that its crystals do not split in the same direction, making it durable and simple to care for.

The many purple tones of this gemstone are ideal for everyday use and go well with a bohemian look. It may be used in various jewelry pieces, including huge necklaces, rings, small earrings, and tiny bracelets.

The majority of chalcedony is cabochon-cut or utilized in intricate carvings and engravings. However, these stones are sometimes faceted to give the piece of jewelry greater depth and light play.

Purple Sapphire

Purple sapphire

Though most commonly associated with their dazzling blue color, sapphires can also be found in a lovely purple tint. Purple sapphires are even more opulent than blue ones since sapphires with a purple tint are scarce. These stones do not generally need to be treated because the purple hue is natural.

Unfortunately, when exposed to radiation and heat, the color of purple sapphire can change. Worse, if this gem is overheated, the hue will fade. You may, however, change its hue to some extent. For example, when a dark purple sapphire is treated, it develops a reddish tint but darkens when a lighter-colored purple sapphire is overheated.

Purple sapphires develop when significant amounts of chromium are present during the gem's formation. The power and beauty of this stone make it an excellent choice for individuals looking for a colorful engagement ring. It costs between $800 to $5,000 and is exceptionally durable, scoring nine on the Mohs scale.

Purple Lolite

purple lolite

This diamond has high brightness and may compete with Tanzanite and Sapphire in brilliance. It comes in purple and blue shades, but purple-violet is the most popular.

"Iolite" comes from the Greek word "Ios," which means violet. Despite its low cost and abundance, this stone looks like a more expensive diamond. This makes it excellent for anybody looking for a lovely purple diamond without breaking the budget. It costs from $9 to $50, depending on the brightness of the stone.

Due to its pronounced cleavage, iolite is prone to chipping or shattering when struck with force. It is, nevertheless, reasonably hard (7 to 7.5 Mohs) and may be utilized in nearly any form of jewelry. When mounted in rings, Iolite should be placed in protective settings like a bezel or halo. Beautifully faceted iolite gleams with a brilliant sheen, which is why it is ideal for jewelry that catches the light, such as a ring or a pair of hanging earrings.

Purple Jade

purple jade

Generally, a green gemstone is also available in a purple variation. Purple jade can be found in various colors, from light purple to dark purple. These stones have a glossy sheen and a smooth texture, yet they occasionally seem waxy and dull. While this gemstone is not typically translucent, the clearer it becomes, the more valuable it becomes.

Purple jade has a Mohs hardness value of 6.5 to 7, though rough and sharp things can scratch it. When cleaning your purple jade, please avoid using abrasives; use water, mild soap, and a soft towel to dry it. While China is the largest market for purple jade, the best purple jade comes from Myanmar.

Purple Tourmaline

purple tourmaline

Purple tourmaline is a less common hue but looks stunning when set in jewelry. They are available in a variety of purple colors and are reasonably priced. Pleochroism may be seen in any color tourmaline. Tourmaline is a lively and vivid gemstone for jewelry, especially when viewed from different angles and under different lighting.

Facets enhance the brightness and pleochroism of most purple tourmalines, provided that they are noticeable. Purple tourmaline has a high hardness—7 to 7.5 Mohs—and may endure a long time if properly cared for. It can range in price from $400 to $2000. Purple tourmaline may be found all around the world. However, the most notable deposits are in Brazil.

Purple Fluorite

purple fluorite

Fluorite comes in various hues, but vivid purple is the most well-known. This stone has a high degree of transparency and is often used in spiritual rituals, although it is not usually used in jewelry. Earrings or another low-impact variant of Fluorite will be your best choice if you want to wear Fluorite jewelry.

Fluorite gemstones are usually cut from dark-colored stones. Fluorite resembles amethyst in color because of its rich purple tint. It is also brilliantly fluorescent in UV light, therefore the name.

Because of its fragility, gemstone collectors usually exclusively purchase this stone. It has a Mohs hardness of 4 and may cleave in four directions. Fluorite stones must be treated with great care to avoid being chipped or damaged. Fluorite is abundant in the US, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Norway, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico.

Purple Kunzite

purple kunzite

Kunzite is a gorgeous gemstone; it ranges from pink to purple. Though first discovered in the United States, the majority of kunzite now originates from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rare specimens can have a vibrant and strong color, though most purple kunzites are pale.

Pleochroism is a property of kunzite that allows it to show two colors at once, depending on the angle from which it is seen. The two hues are usually pink and purple or colorless. Kunzite is likewise devoid of inclusions and has a high degree of transparency. It comes in a variety of fascinating forms, although smooth polished cabochons are equally popular.

The majority of kunzite on the market is untreated or unenhanced. Kunzite is a hard stone (6.5 to 7 Mohs) that may be used in various jewelry. It is, nevertheless, prone to fracture due to its unique cleavage and must be safeguarded from collision and blows. Kunzite is still a reasonably priced stone, and because it comes in huge quantities, it is ideal for large display pieces.

Purple Sugilite

Purple Sugilite

First discovered in Japan, sugilite is considered a rare gemstone. Its deposits have been discovered in various areas, although they are rare. As a result, sugilite is not a popular gemstone, nor will you come across many sugilite jewelry alternatives.

Aside from Asia, sugilite—one of the rarest gemstones- is virtually unknown. It is transparent or opaque and has a unique purple hue, though variations with a faint pink-purple tint exist. Sugilite of the best grade must be even-toned and have a vibrant purple color.

Since sugilite is not known for its strength, it is not commonly used in jewelry, but it does exist. Nonetheless, sugilite is a lovely stone with an intriguing pattern; no two are similar. Sugilite jewelry is best saved for special events and has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5.

Purple Jasper

purple jasper


It is a one-of-a-kind stone with a natural pattern similar to Kunzite, which is why no two are the same. Purple jasper is also slightly opaque when compared to the other hues. Like Sugilite, it is also seldom faceted so that you can appreciate its inherent beauty. It is also important to note that while jasper is most commonly red, it can also be purple.

Purple jasper is a hard stone with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. Purple jasper has a distinctive pattern and vein structure, making it highly durable. This stone may survive for a long time if properly cared for. Its distinct, concentrated appearance also pairs well with other statement pieces and costume jewelry.

The purple hue originates from a combination of red and blue jasper, giving it a warm tone. It also provides a sense of royalty without breaking the bank. Jasper is found worldwide, including in India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Egypt, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, and the United States, among other locations. It is a more common gemstone than others on our list, costing between $5 and $50.

Final Thoughts

Purple gemstones complement all metal hues, which is a feature that influences the jewelry's design. White metals, such as platinum, silver, or white gold, offer purple gemstones a modern aspect, making them stand out in contrast. For example, an amethyst set in white gold stands out and is fully appreciated.

When paired with purple gemstones, rose and yellow gold settings provide a distinctive, vintage appearance. These have a more traditional look and are not often used in combos.

This list will help you choose the best purple gemstone for your jewelry to stand out. If you need further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.