#PURPLE GEMS LICENSE#
#PURPLE GEMS SERIES#

Two American geologists made the discovery: Louis Caryl Graton and Waldemar T. The original specimen currently resides with the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. The first discovery of purpurite occurred in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA. Some call it the “Stone of Freedom.” Many also interpret the purpurite spiritual meaning to represent abundance, success, and growth. Purpurite symbolizes liberation, intuition, and spirituality. Now that you can tell purpurite apart from its violet companions, it’s time to look at purpurite’s origin! Purpurite Meaning & History Streak: Purpurite has purple streak powder, while charoite and sugilite have white/colorless streaks.ĭensity / Specific Gravity: Purpurite is much denser (heavier) than charoite (2.54-2.78) or sugilite (2.74). Refractive Index: Purpurite’s refractive index is significantly higher than that of charoite (1.54-1.56) or sugilite (1.60-1.61). Hardness: Purpurite is lower on the Mohs mineral hardness scale than both charoite (at 5-6) and sugilite (at 6), making purpurite the softest of the three. Here are the primary differences between purpurite vs. We’ll go over the individual differences below, but overall, purpurite is far rarer than either of these stones and less likely to be carved.

The two gems that look the most like purpurite are sugilite and charoite. Pleochroism: Strong in gray, greenish-gray, or rose-red and maroon or magentaįrom appearance alone, you may wonder: is purpurite the same as sugilite? No, but we don’t blame you for the confusion! Here are the rest of purpurite’s properties:Ĭolor: Violet, deep red/pink, magenta, purple Often oxidizes (in part or completely) to brownish-black, brown, blackĬleavage: Good/Distinct on & imperfect on These surfaces may be crinkled or curved Though purpurite can form crystals, it more commonly occurs in small, stocky masses. Other minerals in this group are sicklerite, lithiophilite, natrophilite, ferrisicklerite, karenwebberite, and of course, triphylite. For this reason, purpurite may be called “manganian heterosite.” Purpurite is much rarer than heterosite, though.īoth heterosite and purpurite are in the triphylite group of anhydrous (waterless) phosphates.

#PURPLE GEMS SERIES#

The mineral forms a series with the iron phosphate heterosite, with purpurite representing the manganese-dominant end. The amount of iron inside a given purpurite stone often differs according to where it came from. Purpurite is a manganese phosphate mineral with the formula MnPO4, though iron (Fe) impurities are so common, the formula is often written (Mn,Fe)PO4. Purpurite Specifications & Characteristics Though researchers have created and used synthetic purpurite for scientific purposes, synthetic versions haven’t shown up in the jewelry world. The crystal’s rejuvenating and spiritual properties are perfect for helping any overworked Virgo from taking time for themselves to reflect. Likewise, it can also be worn as an alternative January birthstone.Īstrologically, purpurite is a zodiac stone for Virgo. Like other purple crystals, purpurite is a natural birthstone for anyone born around December 21, the Winter Solstice.

It’s sometimes misspelled as “purpoliote” or “purpolite.” One alternate name for the stone is “manganipurpurite,” after its manganese content. Purpurite is a rose red to rich purple semi-precious gemstone.

#PURPLE GEMS LICENSE#

Image credit: Ra'ike | GNU Free Documentation License About Purpurite Stone If you love underrated purple gems, join us as we explain all of purpurite’s qualities, properties, healing powers, and more. Unfortunately, purpurite jewelry isn’t durable enough for regular wear, but it makes gorgeous ornamental items and healing stones! Well, is purpurite rare? Yes, this mineral is very rare. Its reddish to violet coloring may be bright enough to make you wonder: is purpurite natural? It sure is!

Purpurite is a stunning yet little-known deep purple phosphate gemstone discovered in North Carolina, USA, in 1905.

Purple gems