The word “gem” comes from the Greek word “genea” which means precious stone. However, the definition of gemstone has changed over time to refer to any beautiful and valuable object. These precious stones are often used in the design of jewelry and other decorations.
Many people like to collect these beautiful stones for their unique colors or shapes. Among the gemstones with unique colors, is the purple gemstones. The color purple holds a strong symbol of wealth and power. It is also used to symbolize royalty, divinity, wisdom, and magic. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top purple gemstones used in jewelry.
The History of Purple Gemstones
Purple gemstones trace their roots back to the times of ancient Egypt around 2000BC. The ancient Egyptians saw the purple gemstones as a symbol of life. They were often buried with their dead to help them reach another realm. They were also worn to eliminate the feeling of fear and to protect against evil.
In various eras, purple stones also symbolized power and wealth in China, India, and Japan. They were worn by dignitaries and high-ranking members of society. It was believed that this would elevate their power and status, allowing them to live a life without limits.
In Ancient Greek, purple gemstones (Amethyst) were linked to legends, myths, and traditions. They believed that it would give them protection from intoxication, illness, and injury from supernatural powers.
Today Purple gemstones are used in jewelry all over the world as symbols of beauty and luxury. They can be found both with different shades of purple like; violet, mauve, lilac, wine, mulberry, and lavender.
List of The Top 10 Purple Gemstones Used in Jewelry
1. Purple Diamonds
One of the most famous and rarest purple gemstones used in jewelry is purple diamonds. They are formed when a lot of hydrogen is present in the diamond’s crystal structure. Their color is a result of exposure to radiation from uranium or boron that changes their molecular structure and emits hydrogen gas. They are highly valued due to their rarity, beauty, and different shades of color that they tag along.
A deep purple diamond is rare, and of higher quality than a lighter one. They come in different shades of purple, depending on the amount of hydrogen present. The most expensive are those with a pure violet to a red-violet hue that is not too dark or bright.
They also have higher carats than other diamonds, making them expensive. This makes them perfect for engagement rings and earrings that will make heads turn wherever you go!
2. AmethystÂ
Amethyst is a purple quartz gemstone that has been used for many years in the design of jewelry. Its color ranges from violet to pale red-violet and can be transparent or translucent. They are mostly mined in Brazil, Russia, Bolivia, and Uruguay where they have an abundance of these precious stones. Amethysts are commonly worn as pendants, rings, and earrings.
Amethyst is one of the most popular purple gemstones used in jewelry because it’s relatively inexpensive. Compared to other precious stones with similar properties like; sapphires and rubies, amethyst is slightly cheaper. This makes them perfect for those who want a luxurious-looking accessory without breaking their bank.
3. Purple Spinel
Spinel is another popular purple gemstone used in jewelry. It has a long history of being worn by royals and high-class members of society for its beauty, and rarity. The color ranges from lilac and mauve depending on their chemical composition. The gemstone can also be lab-grown to produce gemstones with different colors and shades.
Spinel is a durable stone that can endure years of wear without losing its color or shine. This makes it an ideal choice for earrings, necklaces, and rings. Spinel has been found at different locations across the world like; Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan where they are mined.
This gemstone can come in many shades of purple that range from light to dark. It is relatively inexpensive due to its abundance in the world, making it perfect for anyone looking for an accessory that will make heads turn!
4. Purple Sapphire
Sapphire is another popular purple gemstone used in jewelry. It owes its color to trace amounts of iron and titanium present in its crystal structure. Sapphire comes in different colors like; yellow, orange-yellow, blue, and pink. However, the colors can be altered by treating them with high-temperature heat. The most popular and expensive ones are those with a deep purple hue.
Sapphire is one of the harder stones that makes it resistant to scratching, chipping, or breaking. This makes them great for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets without having to worry about losing their color over time.
5. Iolite
Iolite is a violet-blue gemstone that has been in use for many years in jewelry design. It gets its name from the Greek words los (violet) and lithos (stone). It can also be easily mistaken with fine-quality sapphire, tanzanite, and blue topaz due to its similar color. However, this is not the case as it has a slightly different chemical composition that gives it its distinct properties.
It is said to bring spiritual enlightenment and overcome depression. Iolite is an ideal choice for those looking for purple gemstones used in jewelry because of their affordability compared to other precious stones. Iolites are mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar.
6. Purple Chalcedony
Purple Chalcedony is a gem with shades of purple that range from lilac to dark purple. It gets its name from Greek words meaning ‘flesh’ and ‘beautiful’. It also comes in different variations of opaque and purple hues. The stone is compact with no visible flaws and fractures, making it an ideal choice for earrings, necklaces, and rings.
It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other precious stones with similar properties like; sapphire and jadeite. Chalcedony is mined in Brazil, Madagascar, and Indonesia where they have them in abundance.
7. Purple Jade
Jade is commonly known for its green color, but it also comes in different varieties of purple. It owes its beautiful deep lilac hue to trace amounts of chromium present in its chemical composition. The stone is not transparent. However, the clearer it gets, the more expensive it will be.
Jade can also come in other colors like; rose, lavender, and white. Jade is a very tough stone which makes them ideal for rings, bracelets, and necklaces without having to worry about losing its color or durability over time.
8. Purple Kunzite
Purple kunzite is not as popular as other gemstones due to its scarcity. Nevertheless, this does not stop it from being loved by many people around the world. The purple color comes from the trace amounts of chrome that are found in their chemical composition.
The stone’s most unique feature is its phosphorescence. It is said that when exposed to ultraviolet light for a few minutes, the stone will emit its purple hue in darkness. This makes it an ideal choice of gemstone to be used at night during special occasions like; concerts, dance parties, or dinners.
Unlike other gems, Kunzite is very soft and fragile and can easily break or lose its luster over time. This is because the stones are not cut properly resulting in them being porous. Kunzite is mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, and Pakistan where they have an abundance of these precious stones.
9. Purple Jasper
Jasper is a semi-translucent gemstone with shades of purple, green, and brown. Its deep tone is due to the traces of iron that are found in their composition. Purple jasper is durable and can last for a long time. This is because of its unique structures that are not present in other gemstones.
It is said to bring good luck and prosperity when worn as jewelry or used for decoration purposes. The stone is commonly found in countries like; India, Russia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Kazakhstan.
10. Purple Agate
Purple Agate is a breath-taking stone that displays hues of dark purple with variations in shade. The stone forms naturally, which makes them one of the most unique choices for purple gemstones used in jewelry.
They are also tough making them ideal for rings, bracelets, and necklaces that will last over time. The stone is mined in countries like; Brazil, India, and Botswana, where they have an abundance.
Conclusion
It is easy to see why purple gemstones are some of the most sought-after gems in the world. They come in different variations that range from lilac, dark purple, and lavender.
Even though they can be expensive compared to other precious stones like; sapphire and jadeite, they are still relatively less than diamonds.
The stones can come in different shapes and sizes depending on color, and the location mined. This means that people will be able to find a variation of these precious gems that fit them perfectly without spending too much money.