The world of gemstones offers a captivating spectrum of colors, each imbued with unique properties and historical significance. Among these, purple holds a special allure, often associated with royalty, spirituality, and tranquility. Several gemstones exhibit this captivating hue, making purple a prominent color in the birthstone calendar and the jewelry world. This article explores the various purple gemstones, their origins, characteristics, and the lore surrounding them, drawing from available gemological and historical information.
History and Lore
Purple gemstones have held a place of reverence throughout history. Amethyst, perhaps the most well-known purple gem, boasts a rich past steeped in symbolism. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst, derived from the Greek word amethystos meaning “not intoxicated,” could prevent drunkenness. They frequently incorporated the stone into drinking vessels and wore it as jewelry, hoping to ward off the effects of wine. Romans shared this belief, further solidifying amethyst’s association with protection and clarity. During the Middle Ages, amethyst transitioned to symbolize piety and humility, becoming a favored stone among clergy and adorning religious artifacts like bishop’s rings and rosaries. Today, it continues to represent peace, courage, stability, and protection from negative energies.
Jade, specifically lavender jade, also carries significant historical weight, particularly in Asian cultures. Admired for thousands of years for its beauty and perceived properties, jade was often carved into intricate art pieces. Lavender jade, a variety of jadeite, is considered the second most valuable color after green. Its rarity and delicate hue contribute to its esteemed status.
Purple sapphire, while gaining popularity more recently, benefits from the long-standing prestige associated with all sapphires. Historically linked to royalty and wisdom, sapphires have been prized for their durability and vibrant colors.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation of purple gemstones varies depending on the specific mineral composition. Amethyst is a variety of quartz, formed in volcanic or metamorphic rocks. Its purple color arises from irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements. Amethyst is mined in both North and South American regions, with significant deposits found in Brazil and parts of Europe.
Lavender jade, a form of jadeite, is rich in pyroxene and aluminum. Unlike nephrite, another type of jade, only jadeite naturally produces a purple color. The finest lavender jade is sourced from Myanmar (Burma), though it can also be found in other locations.
Purple sapphire, a variety of the mineral corundum, derives its color from impurities within the crystal structure, typically iron and titanium. Major sources include Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery, is found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Its unique pleochroism, displaying different colors depending on the viewing angle, contributes to its desirability.
Purple agate, a member of the quartz family, forms within volcanic rocks. Its layered structure is a result of the crystallization of silica-rich fluids.
Alexandrite, a unique color-changing gem, is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 and is named after the young Alexander II.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of purple gemstones vary considerably, influencing their durability, brilliance, and overall value.
Amethyst: A variety of quartz with a chemical formula of SiO₂, amethyst typically exhibits a Mohs hardness of 7, making it relatively durable. Its color ranges from pale lavender to deep violet, though prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the hue to yellow.
Lavender Jade: Composed of jadeite (NaAlSi₂O₆), lavender jade possesses a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. It can range from semi-transparent to opaque and is known for its ability to create sharper edges than iron.
Purple Agate: With a chemical composition of SiO₂, purple agate has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is typically opaque to transparent and displays a microcrystalline structure.
Purple Sapphire: Also composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), purple sapphire boasts a Mohs hardness of 9, making it exceptionally durable. Its color is derived from impurities and can vary in intensity.
Alexandrite: A variety of chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄), alexandrite is renowned for its color-changing ability, appearing emerald green in daylight and ruby red under incandescent light. Its hardness is 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
Tanzanite: A calcium aluminum silicate (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH), tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It exhibits strong pleochroism, displaying different colors depending on the viewing angle.
Here's a table summarizing the hardness of these gemstones:
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | SiO₂ | 7 |
| Lavender Jade | NaAlSi₂O₆ | 6.5-7 |
| Purple Agate | SiO₂ | 6.5-7 |
| Purple Sapphire | Al₂O₃ | 9 |
| Alexandrite | BeAl₂O₄ | 8.5 |
| Tanzanite | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | 6.5-7 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, purple gemstones are often associated with specific metaphysical properties. Amethyst is widely believed to promote peace, clarity, and spiritual growth. It is considered a stone of protection, guarding against negative energies and promoting emotional healing. Lavender jade is often referred to as the "Stone of Serenity," believed to foster tranquility and balance. Purple sapphire is associated with wisdom, royalty, and spiritual enlightenment. Tanzanite is thought to enhance intuition and psychic abilities.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of purple gemstones. Amethyst, with a hardness of 7, is relatively durable but should be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent fading. Lavender jade, while durable, can be susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals. Purple agate, with its slightly lower hardness, should be handled with care to avoid scratches. Sapphires and alexandrite, being exceptionally hard, are more resistant to scratching but should still be protected from impacts. Tanzanite is relatively soft and requires gentle cleaning with mild soap and warm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals for all these gemstones.
Conclusion
Purple gemstones, encompassing amethyst, lavender jade, purple sapphire, tanzanite, purple agate, and alexandrite, represent a diverse and captivating array of colors and properties. From their historical significance and cultural lore to their unique gemological characteristics, these stones continue to fascinate and inspire. Whether sought for their beauty, metaphysical properties, or as birthstones, purple gemstones hold a special place in the world of gemology and jewelry.