The facts
What purpurite actually is
Mineralogically, purpurite is purpurite–heterosite series — Mn³⁺PO₄, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by mn³⁺, produced by oxidation and leaching of primary lithiophilite; the deep violet is a weathering colour, not a primary one. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 3.2–3.7; cleavage is perfect {100} and {001}.
Where purpurite comes from
The recognised sources are Usakos and Sandamap, Namibia, Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA, Custer County, South Dakota, USA and Chanteloube, Haute-Vienne, France.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How purpurite is treated
Untreated, though cabochon material is sometimes stabilised because it is friable. Dull weathered crusts are often scraped or brushed to expose the bright interior colour, which is cleaning rather than treatment.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What purpurite is confused with
The usual confusions are Sugilite, Charoite, Stichtite and Dyed magnesite.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 3.2–3.7, hardness of 4–4.5, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What purpurite is used for
Purpurite is bought by mineral collecting and carving and sculpture — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Purpurite is 4–4.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {100} and {001} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What purpurite costs
Indicative pricing for purpurite is Cabochons $10–$80; fine Namibian specimens $40–$600.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is purpurite treated, and how?
Untreated, though cabochon material is sometimes stabilised because it is friable. Dull weathered crusts are often scraped or brushed to expose the bright interior colour, which is cleaning rather than treatment.
Where does purpurite come from?
Usakos and Sandamap, Namibia, Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA, Custer County, South Dakota, USA and Chanteloube, Haute-Vienne, France. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is purpurite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4–4.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does purpurite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons $10–$80; fine Namibian specimens $40–$600. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is purpurite confused with?
Most often Sugilite, Charoite, Stichtite and Dyed magnesite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 3.2–3.7, hardness and magnification.
Related stones
Looking for purpurite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about purpurite