Stones by colour
Purple Gemstones: Jamunia, Sapphire, Tanzanite and Kunzite جامنی
In short: We carry four natural purple stones: Jamunia (amethyst), purple sapphire, tanzanite and kunzite, all transparent and usually faceted. Purple sapphire is the toughest, tanzanite has the deepest violet-blue, amethyst gives you the most choice, and kunzite adds a soft pinkish lilac. Turning a stone slowly helps: tanzanite flashes blue from one side and purple from another.
We stock four natural purple stones: Jamunia (amethyst), purple sapphire, tanzanite and kunzite. Each is transparent and usually faceted. Purple sapphire is the toughest, tanzanite carries the deepest violet-blue, amethyst gives the widest choice, and kunzite offers a gentle pinkish lilac.
- Hardest
- Purple sapphire, 9 on the Mohs scale
- Colour-shifting
- Tanzanite
- Fade risk in sun
- Amethyst, kunzite
On the tray today
Shop all purple gemstones
Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Four purple stones side by side
| Stone | Hardness (Mohs) | Appearance | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamunia | 7 | Pale lilac through to deep grape purple | Mostly untreated; occasionally heated |
| Purple sapphire | 9 | Violet to plum, with lively sparkle | Heating is common |
| Tanzanite | 6–7 | Violet-blue that shifts as the stone turns | Nearly always heated |
| Kunzite | 6.5–7 | Light pink to lilac, very transparent | Occasionally irradiated |
Telling them apart
Rotate the stone slowly in your fingers. Tanzanite shows blue from one direction and purple from another. Amethyst frequently has its colour arranged in bands. Purple sapphire is more brilliant and feels heavier than an amethyst of the same size. Kunzite is the lightest in colour and looks pinker when you view it along its length.
Things to watch for
- Amethyst and kunzite: long spells in strong sun can fade both, so keep them in the dark when not worn.
- Tanzanite and kunzite: both have cleavage, so protect them from hard knocks and never put them in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Purple sapphire: ask whether it has been heated, and read our purple sapphire guide.
When you pay Cash on Delivery you can open the parcel and examine the stone before handing over the money, and a certificate is available if you ask.
What makes one purple stone worth more than another
In amethyst, the most valuable stones are a deep, even purple with flashes of red or blue and no brown. Tanzanite is prized for a strong, saturated violet-blue, while paler grades are worth far less. Purple sapphire is judged on brightness and even colour, and kunzite on a clear, distinct pink-lilac.
References
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