Purple gemstones have long captivated humanity with their regal hues, symbolizing nobility, spirituality, and mystery. Among these, a specific group of stones holds a unique place in the world of gemology as birthstones, particularly for those born in February, August, and October. This article provides a comprehensive examination of purple birthstones, delving into their historical lore, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance. While a spectrum of gemstones can exhibit purple tones, one variety stands as the primary and most celebrated purple birthstone: amethyst. Other notable purple stones, such as tanzanite, spinel, and tourmaline, also serve as birthstones for specific months, each with its own distinct characteristics and stories. This guide will explore these gems in detail, offering an expert perspective on their value, care, and enduring appeal.
The Spectrum of Purple Birthstones
The color purple, historically linked to royalty and spirituality, is found in a surprising number of gem species. According to gemological sources, at least 13 different gemstones can appear in shades of purple, ranging from light lilac to deep royal violet. Each of these stones is assigned to specific birth months, both in modern and traditional lists, creating a rich tapestry of options for individuals seeking a purple birthstone.
While amethyst is the most prominent, other purple birthstones include tanzanite (December), moonstone (February and June), agate (March, June, August, October), sapphire (April, July, September, December), chalcedony (Capricorn), topaz (April, July, November), diamond (April, August), spinel (August), garnet (January), jade (December), tourmaline (October), and zircon (September, December). This variety ensures that individuals born in virtually any month can find a purple gemstone that aligns with their birth month, though some colors are exceptionally rare and valuable.
Amethyst: The Quintessential Purple Birthstone
Amethyst stands as the quintessential purple birthstone, cherished for its vibrant color and widespread accessibility. As a variety of quartz, amethyst occurs in a range of purple and violet shades, from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. The most prized color is a deep purple with rose flashes. Its name derives from the Ancient Greek “amethystos,” meaning “not intoxicated,” reflecting an ancient belief that wine goblets carved from amethyst could prevent drunkenness. This lore connects amethyst to clarity and sobriety, qualities that have enhanced its mystical appeal for centuries.
Historically, amethyst was considered equal in value to ruby, emerald, and sapphire. However, large discoveries of amethyst in the 19th century made it much more abundant and lowered its value. Today, amethyst is an affordable semi-precious gemstone popular for jewelry and decorative objects, looking beautiful in both vintage and modern designs. Major amethyst deposits have been found in Brazil, but it is also mined in Africa, Canada, Mexico, the United States, and other countries.
Amethyst is traditionally the birthstone for February. It also appears in other birthstone lists, such as the guardian angel birth crystal for November and as a birth gem in the biblical high priest’s breastplate for September. Its symbolic meanings are deeply rooted in peace, tranquility, and spiritual introspection. As a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, amethyst is believed to support personal development and emotional balance.
Other Notable Purple Birthstones
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a unique and relatively recent addition to the world of colored gemstones. Discovered in the 20th century, it is a December birthstone. Its color is highly dependent on crystal orientation, appearing in shades of burgundy, blue, and violet. This pleochroic property makes it a fascinating gem for cutters and collectors alike. While not as historically storied as amethyst, tanzanite has quickly gained popularity for its vivid hues and relative rarity.
Spinel
Spinel is a durable gemstone known for its vibrant and varied colors, and it is a modern August birthstone. Purple spinels span a beautiful tone range, from soft, light tones to deep, rich saturations. From a chemical perspective, their purple hue is the result of trace elements like iron and chromium. Spinel is often considered an underrated gemstone, offering excellent durability and beauty at a more accessible price point than some other purple stones.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is remarkably durable and known for its ability to display an impressive range of colors, including vibrant shades of purple. As the October birthstone, purple tourmaline often features exceptional clarity or a captivating cat's eye effect. Purple tourmaline was discovered relatively recently in Mozambique and is considered rare. This variety tends to be more affordable than other color options like red or pink, offering both beauty and value.
Topaz
Topaz, one of the November birthstone options, is celebrated for its wide range of dominant colors. While most commonly recognized in yellow, red, orange, and blue hues, topaz can also naturally appear in stunning shades of purple. Gem cutters can polish topaz to an exceptional finish, and its strong hardness score of 8 makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear in jewelry.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a mesmerizing gem that comes in a few colors and can also be accepted as a violet birthstone. It is a February birth gem as per the Hindu list and a purple June birthstone according to some traditions. Its characteristic adularescence—a moving, billowy light—gives it a unique, ethereal quality.
Sapphire
Sapphire, primarily known for its blue hues, can indeed appear in purple. It is a birthstone for September, a guardian angel birth crystal for July, a December special apostle birthstone, and an April crystal per Jewish and Roman traditions. Purple sapphires are a variety of corundum, the same mineral family as ruby and blue sapphire, and their color is due to trace elements like iron and titanium.
Garnet and Zircon
Purple garnets are exceptionally rare and are found primarily in East Africa. As the January birthstone, purple garnet is a prized collector's item. Similarly, zircon can appear in purple and is a birthstone for December and a September birth gem according to Hindu tradition. Both gems are valued for their brilliance and durability, though their purple varieties are not commonly encountered in the commercial market.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation and sources of purple birthstones vary significantly by gem species. Amethyst, a variety of quartz, forms in geodes within volcanic rocks. Large deposits are found in Brazil, which is the world's leading producer. Other sources include Africa, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The color of amethyst is primarily due to iron impurities and natural irradiation.
Tanzanite is found exclusively in a small area of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It forms from the mineral zoisite under specific geological conditions involving heat and pressure. Its single-source origin contributes to its value and allure.
Spinel forms in metamorphic rocks and is found in several locations, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Purple spinels, like those with other colors, are mined in these regions, though large, high-quality stones are relatively uncommon.
Tourmaline forms in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. Purple tourmaline has been discovered in Mozambique, adding to the gem's diverse geographic distribution. Tourmaline is known for its complex chemistry, which allows for a wide spectrum of colors.
Topaz forms in pegmatites and volcanic rocks. While most topaz is mined in Brazil, other sources include Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan. The purple variety is less common than the blue or yellow types.
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Major sources include Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar. Its characteristic sheen is caused by light scattering between microscopic layers of different feldspar minerals.
Sapphire, a variety of corundum, forms in metamorphic rocks. Purple sapphires are found in locations such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Australia. The color is influenced by trace elements and the geological conditions during formation.
Purple garnets, specifically the andradite or grossular varieties with manganese impurities, are found in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. Their rarity is due to the specific geological conditions required for their formation.
Zircon forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Major sources include Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Purple zircon is rare and often heat-treated to enhance its color.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of purple birthstones is essential for identification, valuation, and care. The following table summarizes key properties for the most prominent purple birthstones, based on data from gemological sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Hardness (Mohs) | Chemical Formula | Notable Properties | Birthstone Month(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | Quartz (Silica) | 7 | SiO₂ | Iron impurities cause purple color; pleochroic. | February, September, November |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | 6.5-7 | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | Strong pleochroism (blue, violet, burgundy). | December |
| Spinel | Spinel | 8 | MgAl₂O₄ | Iron and chromium cause purple color; high durability. | August |
| Tourmaline | Tourmaline | 7-7.5 | Complex borosilicate | Wide color range; cat's eye effect possible. | October |
| Topaz | Topaz | 8 | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ | Excellent polish; naturally occurs in purple. | November |
| Moonstone | Feldspar | 6-6.5 | (K,Na)AlSi₃O₈ | Adularescence (sheen). | February, June |
| Sapphire | Corundum | 9 | Al₂O₃ | Purple color from trace elements; very hard. | April, July, September, December |
| Garnet | Garnet | 6.5-7.5 | Complex silicate | Rare purple variety; East African origin. | January |
| Zircon | Zircon | 6.5-7.5 | ZrSiO₄ | High refractive index; often heat-treated. | September, December |
Hardness refers to the mineral's resistance to scratching (Mohs scale). Pleochroism is the property of showing different colors when viewed from different crystal directions. The chemical formulas indicate the elemental composition, which is fundamental to each gem's identity.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Purple gemstones are steeped in symbolism, often associated with royalty, spirituality, and wisdom. The color purple has historically been linked to nobility and spirituality, qualities that carry over to the gemstones. In Christian mythology, purple is a canonical color with humble and purifying interpretations. Lilac, a lighter shade of purple, is associated with the 9th gemstone of the biblical high priest's breastplate.
Each purple birthstone carries specific meanings stemming from its unique history. Amethyst is seen as a symbol of peace, tranquility, and clarity. Its name's origin ties it to sobriety and mental clarity. Spinel embodies revitalization and joy, offering a sense of renewed energy. Tanzanite is associated with enhanced perception and spiritual growth, believed to stimulate the higher mind and facilitate communication with spiritual realms.
Tourmaline, in its purple variety, is thought to inspire creativity and provide emotional balance. Topaz, including its purple forms, is linked to good fortune and protection. Moonstone is connected to intuition, feminine energy, and new beginnings. Sapphire, beyond its blue connotations, is believed to promote wisdom and spiritual insight. Purple garnet, as a rare stone, is sometimes associated with unique personal power and transformation. Zircon is believed to bring honor and prosperity.
The mystical connotations of purple stones extend to spirituality and introspection, representing a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. These attributes support their wearers in personal development and emotional balance.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of purple birthstones. The recommended care practices are based on the physical properties of each gem, particularly their hardness and potential for cleavage or damage from chemicals and heat.
For most purple gemstones, including amethyst, tanzanite, spinel, tourmaline, topaz, and sapphire, the general rule is to clean them with a gentle soap and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners or acids, which may damage their surfaces. For an extra shine, use a soft brush to reach difficult areas and then pat dry with a soft cloth.
Specific considerations for different gems: - Amethyst can fade with prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or high heat. It is best to store it away from direct light when not in use. - Tanzanite is relatively soft (6.5-7 on the Mohs scale) and can be brittle. It should be protected from hard blows and stored separately to prevent scratching. - Spinel and topaz are durable (hardness 8) and can withstand more wear, but they should still be stored separately from harder gems like diamond and corundum (sapphire, ruby). - Tourmaline is fairly durable but can be cleaved if struck hard. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. - Moonstone is softer (6-6.5) and more prone to scratching. Clean it gently and avoid sudden temperature changes. - Sapphire is very hard (9) but can still be scratched by diamonds. It is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaning, but warm soapy water is always a safe method. - Garnet and zircon are relatively hard but can be brittle. Avoid hard impacts and extreme temperature changes.
When storing purple gemstones, keep them separated to prevent scratches and damage, preferably in a cloth or padded jewelry box. Avoid exposing them to excessive heat or prolonged sunlight, which can cause color fading over time, especially for amethyst.
Regular inspections by a professional jeweler can help identify any potential issues early, ensuring your purple birthstones remain as striking as the day you acquired them.
Conclusion
Purple birthstones offer a magnificent array of options for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and those seeking a personal connection to their birth month. From the widely beloved amethyst, with its rich history and accessible beauty, to the rarer and more specialized purple varieties of tanzanite, spinel, tourmaline, and others, each gem carries its own unique story, properties, and symbolic meanings. Understanding the geological origins, gemological characteristics, and proper care techniques for these stones enhances their appreciation and ensures their longevity. Whether chosen for its regal color, historical significance, or metaphysical properties, a purple birthstone remains a timeless and meaningful treasure.