Purple gemstones are some of the most beautiful and desirable in the world. From deep amethysts to vibrant tanzanites, there is a purple gemstone to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we will take a closer look at 10 of the most popular purple gemstones, including their clarity, hardness, and value.
Amethyst VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Amethyst is a type of quartz that ranges in color from pale lavender to deep purple. It is the most common and affordable purple gemstone, making it a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items. Amethyst is relatively hard, with a Mohs hardness of 7, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings.
Tanzanite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone that is found only in Tanzania. It is a type of zoisite that ranges in color from deep blue to violet to purple. Tanzanite is harder than amethyst, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5, and it has excellent clarity, making it a popular choice for fine jewelry.
Charoite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Charoite is a type of silicate mineral that is found only in Russia. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 5.5, and it has a unique purple and black mottled appearance. Charoite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Iolite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Iolite is a type of cordierite that ranges in color from pale blue to deep purple. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 7, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings. Iolite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Lepidolite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Lepidolite is a type of mica that ranges in color from pale pink to deep purple. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5, and it has a unique scaly appearance. Lepidolite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Kunzite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Kunzite is a type of spodumene that ranges in color from pale pink to deep purple. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 7, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings. Kunzite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Sugilite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Sugilite is a type of silicate mineral that ranges in color from deep purple to black. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 6, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings. Sugilite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Smithsonite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Smithsonite is a type of carbonate mineral that ranges in color from pale green to deep purple. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 5, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings. Smithsonite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Fluorite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Fluorite is a type of halide mineral that ranges in color from pale green to deep purple. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 4, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings. Fluorite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
Scapolite VS. Clarity, Hardness, Value
Scapolite is a type of silicate mineral that ranges in color from pale yellow to deep purple. It is a relatively hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 5.5, and it has good clarity, making it suitable for use in a variety of jewelry settings. Scapolite is not as common as amethyst or tanzanite, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
The best way to choose the right purple gemstone for you is to consider your personal preferences and budget. If you are looking for a durable and affordable gemstone, amethyst is a good option. If you are looking for a rare and valuable gemstone, tanzanite is a good option. And if you are looking for a unique and unusual gemstone, charoite is a good option.
Gemstone | Clarity | Hardness | Value |
---|---|---|---|
Amethyst | Good | 7 | Affordable |
Tanzanite | Excellent | 6.5 | Rare and valuable |
Charoite | Unique | 5.5 | Not as common |
Iolite | Good | 7 | Not as common |
Lepidolite | Unique | 2.5 | Not as common |
Kunzite | Good | 7 | Not as common |
Sugilite | Good | 6 | Not as common |
Smithsonite | Good | 5 | Not as common |
Fluorite | Good | 4 | Not as common |
Scapolite | Good | 5.5 | Not as common |
Purple gemstones are a beautiful and versatile addition to any jewelry collection. Whether you are looking for a durable and affordable gemstone or a rare and valuable gemstone, there is a purple gemstone to suit your needs.