Purple crystals come in many different types, each with their own unique properties and names. In this article, we will explore some of the most common purple crystals and provide an overview of their key characteristics.
Amethyst
One of the most popular purple crystals is amethyst, a variety of quartz. Amethyst ranges in color from light lavender to deep violet. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek “amethystos,” meaning “not drunk,” as ancient Greeks believed wine goblets carved from amethyst could prevent intoxication. Here are some key facts about amethyst:
- Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
- Birthstone for February
- Associated with the crown chakra
- Found in geodes, druzy formations, and crystal clusters
- Major deposits located in Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, India, and the United States
Amethyst is considered a precious stone, and the most sought-after hue is a deep purple with red flashes. It has been treasured for centuries for jewelry, ornaments, and healing properties.
Lepidolite
Lepidolite is a lilac-gray or rose-colored lithium-bearing mica mineral. It is sometimes called the “Peace Stone” due to its calming energy. Here are some facts about lepidolite:
- Chemical composition: Hydrated potassium lithium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride
- Hardness: 2.5 – 4 on the Mohs scale
- Major deposits in Brazil, Canada, United States, Africa, and Afghanistan
- Commonly contains impurities of rubidium, cesium, manganese, iron and beryllium
- Used in lithium production, new age healing, metaphysical properties
- Occurs in flakes, masses or prismatic crystals
Lepidolite is considered a relatively rare mineral and is commonly associated with other lithium-bearing minerals like spodumene and petalite. It’s metaphysical properties make it popular for crystal healing, meditation, and chakra work.
Sugilite
Sugilite is a rare purple cyclosilicate mineral found in Japan and South Africa. Here are some key sugilite facts:
- Chemical composition: Potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminium silicate hydroxide
- Hardness: 5.5 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale
- Gets its name from Japanese geologist Ken-ichi Sugi who discovered it in 1944
- Ranges from light to deep purple, often multicolored with white veins
- Considered the premier love stone and stone of spiritual healing
- Rare and difficult to obtain in sizes suitable for cutting
The most prized sugilite specimens come from the Wessels mine in South Africa. Sugilite ranges from translucent to opaque and is popular for metaphysical purposes as well as high quality jewelry.
Purple Fluorite
Fluorite is a common halide mineral composed of calcium fluoride. While it most often occurs in cubic formations, it can occasionally be found in octahedral purple crystals. Here is some key information on purple fluorite:
- Chemical composition: Calcium fluoride (CaF2)
- Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale
- Cleavage: Perfect on 4 octahedral planes
- Lustre: Vitreous
- Transparent to translucent
- Major deposits in China, Mongolia, England, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Canada
The purple color of fluorite is quite rare. It is thought to be caused by radiation exposure from uranium or rare earth elements present during crystal formation. Purple fluorite is highly sought after by collectors.
Charoite
Discovered in the 1940s, charoite is found only along the Chara River in Siberia. It is a rare hydrated potassium sodium calcium barium silicate mineral. Here are the keys facts about charoite:
- Chemical composition: (K,Na)15-16(Ca,Sr,Ba)32(Si4O11)2(OH,F)4 – Hydrated potassium sodium calcium barium silicate
- Hardness: 5 – 6 on the Mohs scale
- Crystal system: Monoclinic
- Massive form, no visible crystals
- Whispy, fibrous appearance
- Found only along the Chara River within the Aldan Shield, Sakha Republic, Siberia
Charoite is prized for its vivid purple color and swirling, chatoyant patterning. When polished, it is used as an ornamental stone in carvings, bowls, and jewelry.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the most popular purple crystals include amethyst, lepidolite, sugilite, purple fluorite, and charoite. Each contains different mineral compositions, hardness, origins, and metaphysical properties. But they all share a beloved, regal purple hue. For collectors and healers alike, these purple crystals have captivated people for generations and will continue to enchant those who come across them.
| Crystal | Chemical Composition | Hardness | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | Silicon dioxide | 7 | Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, India, United States |
| Lepidolite | Hydrated potassium lithium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride | 2.5-4 | Brazil, Canada, United States, Africa, Afghanistan |
| Sugilite | Potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminium silicate hydroxide | 5.5-6.5 | Japan, South Africa |
| Purple Fluorite | Calcium fluoride | 4 | China, Mongolia, England, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Canada |
| Charoite | Hydrated potassium sodium calcium barium silicate | 5-6 | Russia |
