Facts about Purple Gems: The Power of Purple

In this article of the facts about purple gems, I have discussed the types of purple gems, how they are valued, and what makes purple gemstones so special.

Purple gemstones have long been a favorite in the jewelry industry. Purple color is the favorite of many. And the color has many symbolic connotations.

Just like the color yellow is linked to happiness and green with nature, the color purple usually represents royalty. Yes, purple is royalty. Purple is wealth, passion, ambition, magic, and mystery. Emperors and military commanders of ancient times preferred this color as it made them feel relaxed and rejuvenated. It represents physical strength, knowledge, and achievement. 

So would wearing a purple gemstone have the same effects? Perhaps yes. Certain colors are found to have specific effects on people and reflect their character. Gems have been used not only for ornamentation but also for healing and therapy since antiquity. Naturally, purple gemstones are rare, and there are many types of them.

Types of purple gemstones

The most common type of purple gem is Amethyst. But there are also many other types in different shades of purple. Some gemstones are a deep purple, some a soft lilac, and some come in a mixture of blue and purple. Types of purple gemstones include:

• Purple diamonds- Colored diamonds are called fancy diamonds. They aren’t fake but are called fancy because they are not clear. Purple diamonds range in tone from light to dark. Light purple diamonds are $100,000 per carat, and deep purple ones are more expensive. Purple diamonds cannot be found above one carat in weight.
• Purple sapphires- Purple sapphires don’t sparkle as much as diamonds but come in a deeper shade. They come in red or blue tones or plain purple. Purple sapphires are tough and score 9Mohs on the toughness scale.
• Amethyst- Amethyst gemstones are classic purple gems. But since they are a type of quartz, they can be a bit fragile and suitable for occasional wear. Most Amethyst is naturally purple and comes in both light and dark tones. Amethyst gems are quite inexpensive and common.
• Purple garnet- Garnets are commonly red, but they can also be purple. Purple garnets are called Mozambique garnets or rhodolite and usually cost about $45 per carat. They are more reddish-purple than blue.
• Iolite- iolite gems are not very common but are comparatively inexpensive. Iolite gems are a deep purple and have a blue undertone. They are not very tough so they are not ideal for everyday use.
• Kunzite-Kunzite is a beautiful gem that’s light in color with a slight mix of purple and pink. It costs $22 per carat but is not very scratch resistant.
• Tanzanite- Tanzanite is a deep purple stone with a blue undertone. It’s more like an indigo color than purple. It is low on the hardness scale and costs only about $9 per carat.

Facts about purple gems: Which metals suit purple?

Purple gemstones go well with white or yellow metals. White metal allows the purple tones to show an advantage and gives a neutral undertone. Yellow gold and reddish-purple work well together. Rose gold may not be a very good choice because its tones would compete with purple.

How to choose purple gemstones for jewelry?

• Hardness

Each gemstone has a different level of hardness which is measured on a Mohs scale. The higher the number, the more the hardness. Purple diamonds are very tough and scratch resistant. Softer stones like Kunzite must be reserved only for occasional wear as they are fragile and will be scratched easily. Soft gems are ideal for pendants and must be carefully encased with protective jewelry.

• Color

Purple gemstones come in many different shades, and the color is important when selecting a gem. Iolite gems can change color. Amethyst gemstones have a good deep purple and are the most sought-after.

• Carat

Carat determines the weight of a gemstone just as gold is measured in grams or ounces. Size does not affect the quality of the gemstone, but it can make it more expensive. The larger the gemstone of high quality, the higher the price. 

• Cut stone

The way the stone is cut is important and contributes to the value of the gem. An oval shape distributes the gemstone’s weight evenly while keeping the sparkle and beauty of the gem. The way the stone is cut also determines how the light enters it and how it reflects its color.

Facts about purple gems: A Summary

Purple gemstones are popular as they are believed to represent many magnificent characteristics like ambition and royalty. They vary in type and shade of color. The price of purple gemstones is determined by their density, color, and how rare it is. And Amethyst is the most common type of purple gemstone available.

Please read this article for the most valuable gemstones of Ceylon.