Purple quartz is a type of quartz crystal with a deep purple hue. It is often confused with amethyst, which is also a purple-colored quartz crystal. While both purple quartz and amethyst have the same color, there are some distinct differences between them. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sets purple quartz and amethyst apart from one another.
The Two Terms Are Often Used Interchangeably
purple quartz and amethyst. While it’s true that amethyst is a type of purple quartz, the two terms are not interchangeable and there is an important difference between them. Generally, when people refer to purple quartz, they mean a lighter or brighter purple, similar to what you might find in green garnet. On the other hand, amethyst is a much deeper and richer purple, often with hints of blue and red.
Amethyst Is A Type Of Purple Quartz
Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone that is part of the quartz family. It is a variety of quartz with a beautiful purple hue that has been popular throughout history. Amethyst can range in color from light to dark shades of purple and can sometimes include reddish, green or even blue hues. The deeper the purple color, the more valuable the stone. In fact, some of the finest amethysts come from Brazil and Uruguay. Amethyst is often confused with other gems such as green garnet, however it is not the same. Green garnet is an entirely different type of stone, which is usually olive green in color.
The Main Difference Is In The Color
Amethyst is a deep, rich purple and purple quartz can range from a light lavender shade to a bright, neon purple. The hue of amethyst tends to be more consistent than that of purple quartz, which can vary greatly. There are also other rarer varieties of purple gemstones, such as green garnet, which has a much darker hue than either amethyst or purple quartz. Green garnet often appears with a bluish-green hue, rather than a greenish-purple like amethyst or quartz.
It can even contain hues of yellow and red in certain stones, giving it an interesting mix of colors. Green garnets are most commonly found in deposits in central Africa and Brazil. They can also be found in areas in India and Sri Lanka. Green garnets are known for their strength and durability, making them a popular choice for jewelry and decorative pieces. However, they tend to be pricier than both purple quartz and amethyst due to their rarity. While it may not have the same popularity as amethyst or purple quartz, green garnet still makes a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.
Amethyst Is A Deeper, Richer Purple
Amethyst is a form of purple quartz, and has a deep, rich hue. Unlike purple quartz, which can range from light to bright shades of purple, amethyst has a much deeper and more intense color. This intense hue is why it’s often referred to as the “green garnet.” Amethyst has long been thought of as a symbol of royalty and power, making it a popular gemstone for jewelry. The most common colors of amethyst are shades of lavender and violet, although other colors including green are also found in nature. Green garnets are typically found in colors ranging from light green to yellow-green, and sometimes even blue-green.
The green tones in these stones come from trace elements such as chromium or vanadium in the stone’s crystal structure. Green garnets are very rare, making them incredibly valuable stones. Despite being rare, they are still highly sought after by jewelers due to their unique colors and versatility in use. Whether you choose an intense amethyst or a rare green garnet, these beautiful stones are sure to add elegance and glamour to any piece of jewelry.
Purple Quartz Can Be Lighter Or Brighter
In addition to its deep purple color, amethyst can also vary in shades from pale lilac to reddish-purple. Purple quartz is a less intense variation and can be lighter or brighter than amethyst. Some people may even mistake it for green garnet, which is an entirely different gemstone altogether. Purple quartz ranges in color from pale lavender to light purple, while green garnet is typically yellowish-green or emerald-green in color.
The two stones differ greatly in terms of their value, as well. Amethyst is much more highly prized than purple quartz, and as a result, it can be quite expensive. By comparison, purple quartz is generally more affordable and accessible.