Purple is a color often associated with royalty, spirituality, and mystery. In the world of gemstones, it is no different. Purple birthstones carry a unique blend of beauty, historical significance, and symbolic meaning. These gemstones span a wide range of colors from deep violet to soft lilac and are assigned to various months of the year, each with its own lore and gemological properties.
This article explores the thirteen purple birthstones identified in the sources, including their historical and cultural significance, geological properties, and practical care. We will also delve into the symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with these stones and how they have been used in jewelry and spiritual practices.
History and Lore of Purple Birthstones
The history of purple birthstones is as rich and varied as the stones themselves. These gemstones have been cherished for centuries, often associated with power, divinity, and healing. Their use in ancient civilizations and their adoption in modern birthstone traditions reflect their enduring appeal.
Amethyst – February, September, November
Amethyst is perhaps the most well-known purple birthstone and has a long and storied history. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunken." Ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst could help prevent intoxication. In medieval Europe, amethyst was considered a protective stone, used to ward off evil and promote clarity of thought.
Amethyst has also been associated with spiritual awakening and inner strength. It was once a gemstone reserved for royalty due to its beauty and rarity. Today, it is more widely available, making it accessible to gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. Amethyst is assigned to February, September, and November in various birthstone traditions, highlighting its importance across different cultures and eras.
Tanzanite – December
Tanzanite is a relatively modern gemstone, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is known for its striking violet-blue color, which can vary depending on the crystal orientation. Tanzanite is assigned to December in the modern birthstone tradition and is considered a rare and valuable stone.
The discovery of tanzanite was a significant event in the gemstone world, as it is found only in a small area of Tanzania. Its color change and pleochroism (the ability to show different colors from different angles) make it a fascinating gemstone. Tanzanite is also associated with transformation and spiritual growth, making it a popular choice for those seeking a stone that supports personal development.
Moonstone – February, June
Moonstone is a mystical gemstone known for its ethereal glow and shimmering surface. It has been associated with the moon and is believed to enhance intuition and emotional balance. Moonstone is assigned to February and June in various birthstone traditions.
The use of moonstone dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was believed to be formed from moonbeams. In India, moonstone is one of the seven sacred gemstones and is associated with the moon goddess, Chandra. Moonstone is also linked to love and fertility, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry.
Garnet – January
While garnet is typically associated with red, it can also occur in purple. Purple garnet is rare and is found primarily in East Africa. Garnet is assigned to January in the modern birthstone tradition and has a long history of use in jewelry and spiritual practices.
Garnet is a silicate mineral group with several related species. It has a hardness of around 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. Garnet symbolizes many positive emotions, including love, friendship, and sincerity. It has also been used as a protective stone, believed to keep the wearer safe during travel and to promote courage and strength.
Jade – December
Jade is traditionally known as a green gemstone, but it can also occur in other colors, including lilac. Jade is assigned to December in some birthstone traditions and is also associated with Pisces. The use of jade dates back thousands of years, with significant cultural and spiritual importance in China, Mesoamerica, and other regions.
Jade is a symbol of purity, wisdom, and serenity. It is often used in carvings and jewelry to represent harmony and balance. In Chinese culture, jade is considered the "stone of heaven" and is believed to bring good fortune and protect the wearer from negative energies.
Tourmaline – October
Tourmaline is a versatile gemstone that occurs in a wide range of colors, including violet. Purple tourmaline was discovered relatively recently in Mozambique and is considered rare. Tourmaline is assigned to October in the modern birthstone tradition and is known for its piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge when heated or pressed.
Tourmaline has been used in various cultures for its protective and healing properties. It is believed to help with emotional balance, stress relief, and grounding. Tourmaline is also associated with creativity and communication, making it a popular choice for those in artistic or expressive fields.
Zircon – September, December
Zircon is a gemstone that has been used for centuries, though it is often confused with other stones, such as cubic zirconia. Zircon can occur in a variety of colors, including violet, and is assigned to September and December in some birthstone traditions. In Hindu tradition, zircon is considered a December birthstone.
Zircon is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, giving it a brilliant, firey appearance. It is also associated with wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Zircon has been used in ancient jewelry and is believed to have protective and healing properties.
Geological Formation and Sources of Purple Birthstones
Understanding the geological formation and sources of purple birthstones provides insight into their rarity and value. Each of these gemstones has unique characteristics that determine their color, hardness, and other properties.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of quartz and is formed in geodes and rock cavities where silica-rich solutions cool and crystallize. The purple color of amethyst is due to the presence of iron impurities and natural irradiation. Amethyst is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite and is found only in a small area of Tanzania near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The unique violet-blue color of tanzanite is due to the presence of vanadium and the way the crystal is cut. Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, with the first commercial mining operations starting in the 1960s.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a type of feldspar and is formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The ethereal glow of moonstone is due to the way light is refracted through layers of different minerals within the stone. Moonstone is found in various parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Garnet
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that form in metamorphic and igneous rocks. The purple color of garnet is due to the presence of manganese and other trace elements. Garnet is found in many parts of the world, including India, Brazil, and East Africa.
Jade
Jade is a silicate mineral that forms in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and temperature. The different colors of jade are due to the presence of different trace elements. Jade is found in various parts of the world, including China, Myanmar, and New Zealand.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The variety of colors in tourmaline is due to the presence of different trace elements. Tourmaline is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, and the United States.
Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The different colors of zircon are due to the presence of different trace elements and the way the crystal is cut. Zircon is found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Thailand, and India.
Gemological Properties of Purple Birthstones
The gemological properties of purple birthstones include their hardness, refractive index, color, and other characteristics that determine their use in jewelry and other applications.
Amethyst
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.54–1.55
- Color: Purple, ranging from light lavender to deep violet
- Chemical Composition: Silica (SiO₂)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Tanzanite
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.69–1.70
- Color: Violet-blue, with pleochroism
- Chemical Composition: Calcium aluminum silicate (CaAl₃(SiO₄)(OH)₃)
- Transparency: Transparent
Moonstone
- Hardness: 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.518–1.524
- Color: White, with a shimmering blue or pink sheen
- Chemical Composition: Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi₃O₈)
- Transparency: Translucent
Garnet
- Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.73–1.76
- Color: Purple, due to the presence of manganese
- Chemical Composition: Silicate mineral group
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Jade
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.66–1.68
- Color: Green, with other colors including lilac
- Chemical Composition: Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAl₂(Si₂O₆)₂)
- Transparency: Translucent to opaque
Tourmaline
- Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.62–1.64
- Color: Violet, with a variety of other colors
- Chemical Composition: Borosilicate mineral group
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Zircon
- Hardness: 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.92–2.01
- Color: Violet, with a high refractive index and dispersion
- Chemical Composition: Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄)
- Transparency: Transparent
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Purple birthstones are associated with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs across different cultures and eras. These beliefs often reflect the unique properties and characteristics of each gemstone.
Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with spiritual awakening, wisdom, and inner strength. It is believed to promote calmness and clarity of thought. Amethyst is also associated with protection and is believed to ward off negative energies. In Christian tradition, amethyst is considered a symbol of humility and purity.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, spiritual growth, and emotional balance. It is believed to help with self-expression and creativity. Tanzanite is also associated with intuition and is believed to enhance one's ability to understand and interpret their emotions.
Moonstone
Moonstone is associated with intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy. It is believed to enhance one's ability to understand and express emotions. Moonstone is also associated with love and fertility, making it a popular choice for romantic jewelry.
Garnet
Garnet is associated with protection, courage, and strength. It is believed to keep the wearer safe during travel and to promote loyalty and sincerity. Garnet is also associated with passion and is believed to enhance one's ability to form and maintain strong relationships.
Jade
Jade is associated with purity, wisdom, and serenity. It is believed to bring good fortune and protect the wearer from negative energies. Jade is also associated with harmony and balance, making it a popular choice for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is associated with emotional balance, stress relief, and grounding. It is believed to help with emotional stability and to promote a sense of well-being. Tourmaline is also associated with creativity and communication, making it a popular choice for those in artistic or expressive fields.
Zircon
Zircon is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is believed to promote clarity of thought and to enhance one's ability to make wise decisions. Zircon is also associated with protection and is believed to keep the wearer safe from negative energies.
Care and Cleaning of Purple Birthstones
Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty and value of purple birthstones. Each gemstone has unique properties that determine the best way to clean and store them.
Amethyst
Amethyst should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat, as prolonged exposure can cause the color to fade. Amethyst should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It should be kept away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Tanzanite should also be stored in a soft cloth to prevent scratches and to protect its delicate facets.
Moonstone
Moonstone should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat, as prolonged exposure can cause the sheen to dull. Moonstone should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Garnet
Garnet should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It is relatively durable and can be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Garnet should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Jade
Jade should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It should be kept away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Jade should also be stored in a soft cloth to prevent scratches and to maintain its smooth surface.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat. Tourmaline should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Zircon
Zircon should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It should be kept away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Zircon should also be stored in a soft cloth to prevent scratches and to maintain its brilliant appearance.
Conclusion
Purple birthstones are a unique and captivating group of gemstones that have been cherished for centuries. From the regal amethyst to the rare tanzanite, each of these stones carries its own history, symbolism, and gemological properties. Whether used in jewelry, spiritual practices, or as a symbol of personal significance, purple birthstones continue to captivate and inspire.
Understanding the history, geological properties, and cultural significance of these gemstones provides a deeper appreciation for their beauty and value. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or a student of gemology, the world of purple birthstones offers a rich and rewarding exploration.