Lavender Amethyst to Tanzanite: A Grand Comparison of Purple Gemstones
Purple – the color of mysticism, spirituality, and nobility. In the world of gemstones, there's a fascinating variety of stones in this spectrum: from delicate lavender amethyst to the deep violet of tanzanite and the vibrant purple of sugilite. In this comprehensive comparison, we introduce all the important purple gemstones, explain their differences, and help you decide which stone is right for your next jewelry purchase.
Why purple gemstones are so popular
Purple and violet historically hold special symbolic power: In ancient times, purple dye was so expensive to produce that it was reserved exclusively for kings and gods. This royal connotation is deeply rooted in our culture. Purple-violet stones exude dignity, spirituality, and creativity – and suit an astonishingly wide range of outfits and skin tones.
Amethyst – the classic purple
Color: Lavender to deep reddish-purple
Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Price: Inexpensive to medium (2–30 €/carat depending on quality)
Origin: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Russia
Amethyst is the most popular and affordable purple gemstone. Its color spectrum ranges from delicate lavender to deep "Siberian" violet. The classic among purple stones – timeless, meaningful (wisdom, serenity) and suitable for all types of jewelry. Ideal for beginners and as a February birthstone.
Tanzanite – the noble blue-violet
Color: Deep blue-violet with trichroism (appears blue, violet, or reddish-brown depending on the viewing angle)
Hardness: 6–7 (Mohs)
Price: Expensive (100–600 €/carat for fine qualities)
Origin: Exclusively Tanzania (Mererani Hills)
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world – it is found in only one place on earth. Its deep blue-violet is unique and cannot be imitated by any other stone. As a December birthstone and for high-quality, rare jewelry, it is the first choice. Tanzanite is referred to by gemologists as the "gemstone of a generation" because it may be depleted in 25 years.
Iolite – the poor man's sapphire or tanzanite?
Color: Dark blue to blue-violet, strong trichroism
Hardness: 7–7.5 (Mohs)
Price: Affordable (5–50 €/carat)
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar
Iolite (cordierite) displays a fascinating play of color: From certain angles, it looks sapphire blue, from others violet, and from yet others almost colorless. This property (pleochroism) made iolite a navigation instrument for the Vikings – through polarized light, they could locate the sun even on cloudy days. As a gemstone, it is very affordable and fascinating.
Alexandrite – the chameleon jewel
Color: Green in daylight, red to purple in incandescent light (color change)
Hardness: 8.5 (Mohs)
Price: Very expensive (natural alexandrite: 5,000–50,000 €/carat)
Origin: Russia (Urals), Brazil, Sri Lanka
Alexandrite is technically not a purple stone, but it can display deep reddish-purple in incandescent light. The most dramatic color change of all gemstones makes it the most expensive non-diamond gemstone. Only for very special investment jewelry.
Sugilite – the spiritual purple stone
Color: Strong purple to reddish-purple, often with black manganese inclusions
Hardness: 6–6.5 (Mohs)
Price: Medium to expensive (30–200 €/carat for high-quality pieces)
Origin: South Africa (Kalahari Mine)
Sugilite is known in the spiritual community for its extraordinary energy – it is said to be one of the most powerful healing stones of all. Its vibrant purple is unmistakable. Very popular as a pendant and bracelet among crystal enthusiasts.
Charoite – the purple from Siberia
Color: Characteristic lavender-purple with swirling patterns
Hardness: 5–6 (Mohs)
Price: Medium (20–80 €/carat)
Origin: Exclusively Russia (Yakutia on the Chara River)
Charoite looks like solidified purple smoke – its characteristic, swirling pattern is unmistakable. It is also found in only one location worldwide. Beautiful as a cabochon for rings and pendants; spiritually associated with the crown chakra.
Kunzite – the pink-purple love stone
Color: Delicate pink to lavender-pink
Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs)
Price: Medium to expensive (20–100 €/carat for good qualities)
Origin: Brazil, Afghanistan, USA
Kunzite lies at the boundary between pink and purple. It is a very delicate stone (perfect cleavage) and is best worn as earrings or a pendant, not as a ring. Its color can fade in direct sunlight.
The direct comparison: Which stone for whom?
- Budget-conscious and timeless: Amethyst
- Exclusive and rare: Tanzanite
- Affordable and fascinating: Iolite
- Spiritual and meaningful: Sugilite or Charoite
- Romantic and delicate: Kunzite
- As an investment: Tanzanite or natural Alexandrite
Purple gemstone jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
The world of purple stones is fascinating and diverse. At Corelune Jewellery, you will find beautiful gemstone jewelry in deep violet and purple tones.
👉 Discover purple gemstone jewelry now – and wear the color of mysticism!
