Purple Stones: A Guide to Rare and Beautiful Gems
As humans, we are constantly drawn to the beauty of the world around us. Nature provides us with some of the most stunning sights, from lush green forests to towering mountains to sparkling oceans.
One aspect of nature that has always captivated us is the beauty of gemstones. The allure of a perfectly cut and polished gem in a beautiful setting is something that has been a source of fascination for centuries.
Within the world of gemstones, there is one color that has always stood out – purple. The color purple has long been associated with royalty, nobility, and luxury.
It is a color that exudes elegance and sophistication, and it is no wonder that purple stones have been highly coveted throughout history. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of purple stones, exploring their unique features, rarity, and prices.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz that gets its purple coloration from iron impurities. It is a gemstone that has been prized for its rarity and beauty since ancient times and has been used in jewelry and decorative items for centuries.
One of the unique features of amethyst is that it is a semi-precious stone, meaning that it is not as valuable as diamond, sapphire, or ruby. Despite its status as a semi-precious stone, amethyst is still highly sought after due to its rarity and stunning beauty.
It is a gemstone that can range in color from pale lilac to deep purple, with the most prized specimens being a rich, dark purple.
Sugilite
Sugilite is a rare silicate mineral that is found in only a few locations around the world, including South Africa and Japan. It is a gemstone that is highly prized for its unusual purple coloration and is often used in jewelry.
One of the unique features of sugilite is that it is often transparent, which means that it can be used to make highly desirable gemstones that fetch high prices. However, the rarity of sugilite means that it is one of the most expensive purple stones on the market.
Charoite
Charoite is a stone that is a vivid shade of purple with a marbled, unique surface finish. It is found in only one location in the world, in Siberia, and is a relatively new addition to the world of gemstones.
One of the unique features of charoite is its chatoyant appearance. Chatoyancy is an optical effect that gives the stone a sheen or shimmer, creating a sense of depth and movement.
Charoite can be cut into cabochons, which are frequently used in display items due to their unique appearance.
Fluorite
Fluorite is a soft mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including purple. Purple fluorite is often referred to as rainbow fluorite due to the separated bands of color that give the stone a shimmering appearance.
One of the unique features of fluorite is its internal fractures, which can create a stunning pattern in the stone when it is cut and polished. While some specimens of fluorite can be quite expensive, there are also many that are dirt cheap, making it a popular stone for collectors.
Rhodolite Garnet
Rhodolite garnet is a hybrid variety of almandine and pyrope garnet that is prized for its deep purple-red coloration. One of the unique features of rhodolite garnet is its slight color shift, which means that the stone can appear slightly different colors depending on the lighting conditions.
Rhodolite garnet can be cut into gemstones, which are highly desired by jewelry makers due to their stunning color and brilliance.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a highly expensive purple stone that is a type of chrysoberyl. It is a gemstone that is popular due to its ability to change color depending on the lighting conditions.
One of the unique features of alexandrite is its vanadium content, which gives the stone its distinctive color-changing properties. While alexandrite is highly sought after, it is also quite rare, which means that it is one of the most expensive purple stones on the market.
Grape Agate
Grape agate is a type of botryoidal formation that comes in spherical nodules. It is a stone that is often found in shades of purple and is a popular choice for rock and crystal dealers.
One of the unique features of grape agate is its rarity, which makes it a highly desirable gemstone for collectors. There are also green varieties of grape agate that are popular due to their unique coloration and beauty.
Taaffeite
Taaffeite is a rare purple stone that was identified as a cut gemstone in the early 20th century. It is a gemstone that is found in only a few locations in the world, including Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
One of the unique features of taaffeite is its lavender and deep purple coloration, which makes it a highly prized gemstone. However, taaffeite is also highly sought after by fraudsters, who often create fake versions of the stone in an attempt to cash in on its rarity and value.
Kammererite
Kammererite is a soft, flaky mineral that is layered and often found in chevron amethyst. It is a gemstone that is found in only one location in the world, in Italy.
One of the unique features of kammererite is its micaceous appearance, which gives the stone a shimmering, metallic sheen.
Kammererite can be cut en cabochon and is often used in jewelry due to its unique appearance.
Lepidolite
Lepidolite is a rare purple stone that often contains small amounts of rare earth metals, including lithium. It is a gemstone that is often a lilac-to-light purple color and is frequently used in tumbles and cabs.
One of the unique features of lepidolite is its flaky appearance, which gives the stone a delicate, ethereal quality.
Lepidolite is often intermixed with other minerals, which can create stunning color combinations and patterns.
Indigo Gabbro
Indigo gabbro is a type of conglomerate that is found in Madagascar. It is a stone that is a deep purple-blue color and often has spots of lavender and dalmatian spotting.
One of the unique features of indigo gabbro is its mystical properties, which have led to it being named Mystical Merlinite. It is a gemstone that is said to provide protection, clarity, and spiritual insight.
Tiffany Stone (Bertrandite)
Tiffany stone, also known as bertrandite, is a rare mineral conglomerate that is found only in a few locations around the world. It is a stone that has striking purple and white colorations and is often used in decorative items and jewelry.
One of the unique features of Tiffany stone is its association with The Tiffany Company, who played a significant role in popularizing the stone in the United States in the early 20th century. Despite its rarity and high demand, Tiffany stone is not as valuable as some other purple stones due to its low hardness and lack of popularity in the jewelry industry.
Purpurite
Purpurite is a manganese iron phosphate that is found in Namibia. It is a stone that has a deep purple coloration and a grainy appearance.
One of the unique features of purpurite is its natural form, which makes it unsuitable for use in jewelry. Despite its beauty, many people choose not to collect this stone due to its lack of popularity and complexity.
Sugilite
Due to its rarity, sugilite is one of the most expensive purple stones on the market. It is a stone that is highly sought after by collectors and investors due to its scarcity and unique properties.
Taaffeite
Taaffeite is another incredibly rare purple stone that commands high prices due to its beauty and scarcity. However, taaffeite is also a stone that is highly targeted by fraudsters, so anyone interested in purchasing the stone should exercise caution.
Tiffany Stone (Bertrandite)
Despite its rarity and high demand, Tiffany stone is not as valuable as some other purple stones due to its low hardness and lack of popularity in the jewelry industry. However, it is still a stone that is prized for its beauty and unique properties.
Purpurite
Purpurite is a rare purple stone that is complex and not suitable for use in jewelry. It is a stone that is not as popular or desirable as some other purple stones due to its lack of versatility and low hardness.
In conclusion, purple gemstones are some of the most beautiful and unique natural creations in the world. From the rare and expensive sugilite and taaffeite to the affordable and collectible fluorite and grape agate, there is a purple stone for everyone.
Whether you are a collector, investor, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of gemstones, exploring the world of purple stones is sure to be a rewarding and fascinating journey. Purple Stones: A Comprehensive Guide to Rarity, Characteristics, and Uses
Gemstones have fascinated humans for centuries.
The allure of a pristine gem has inspired many to collect and appreciate the variety of colors and types of stones available. Among them, purple stones hold a special place in the gemstone world.
They possess a certain radiance that stirs the soul and captures the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. This article provides an in-depth exploration and analysis of purple stones, including their characteristics, rarity, origin, and uses.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a popular gemstone among collectors and jewelry makers due to its beauty, rarity, and affordability. The deep purple shade of amethyst is eye-catching, and it has a unique appearance, making it a natural choice for display items.
Its unique color is created by the presence of iron impurities, which give it a distinctive hue.
Amethyst is a stunning gemstone that is frequently used in jewelry and crests, as well as display items. It is ideal for collectors due to its affordability, the abundance of rough stones available, and the wealth of amethyst jewelry found in antique stores and elsewhere.
Amethyst is also used in display items because of its ability to grab attention. There are a variety of quality ranges, making it both affordable and suited for display items.
Charoite
The cabochons cut from charoite are a must-have for any gem collector due to its stunning unique appearance. The chatoyancy present in the stone’s surface creates a unique display that delights the eyes.
Charoite is also known for its use in protection charm bracelets and pendants and is frequently used by metaphysical enthusiasts.
Charoite cabochons are used in display items and jewelry due to their unique appearance and rarity. The stone’s remarkable chatoyancy gives it a lively appearance that is both elegant and eye-catching.
The gemstone is also used for protection purposes due to its metaphysical properties.
Fluorite
Fluorite is known for its attractive color-changing property, internal fractures, and affordability, which make it a popular choice for collectors.
Fluorite exists in a variety of colors, including purple, which is often separated into bands of colors, creating a vibrant and mesmerizing effect. Despite its stunning beauty, fluorite is not considered a precious stone.
While fluorite is a popular collector’s item, it is often unsuitable for use in jewelry due to its low hardness and fracturing qualities. It is frequently seen in carvings, and its unique appearance makes it a favorite of collectors and admirers.
The bands of color along with its internal fractures make it a fascinating display item.
Rhodolite Garnet
Rhodolite Garnet is valued for its deep purple-red hue and color shift. The stone’s color can change slightly depending on its surrounding light, which makes it a unique and captivating stone to add to any collection.
Rhodolite garnet is frequently used in jewelry due to its stunning colors and has become more popular in recent years. Rhodolite garnet is highly sought after by collectors and jewelry makers alike, due to its rare combination of color and color shift.
The stone is often used in jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Its ability to complement and work well with other gemstones makes it a versatile stone to work with.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare and valuable gemstone due to its unique color-changing properties. The stone changes its color depending on whether it is viewed under daylight or incandescent lighting conditions, making it a precious and sought-after gemstone.