Ultra Violet Gemstones, Purple Gems

December 13, 2023

In a world where colors speak louder than words, Pantone's selection of Ultra Violet Gemstones for its 2018 Color of the Year is more than a trend; it's a statement. This mesmerizing hue, reminiscent of the deep and mysterious Amethyst but with an added intensity, invites us to explore the enchanting realm of violet gemstones.

Ultra Violet is not just a color; it symbolizes a journey into the depths of spirituality, creativity, and transformative change. From the historical echoes of the Suffragettes to the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ movement, Ultra Violet has been the banner of those who dare to make a difference. But what about its representation in the world of gemstones?

Unlike the straightforward identity of an Emerald or a Ruby, the quest to find true Ultra Violet gemstones takes us on an intriguing path through various gem families. Join us as we are discovering gems that are as unique and profound as the color itself.

Introduction to Ultra Violet Gemstones

Pantone’s color choice for 2018 is Ultra Violet, an intense, exhilarating, stimulating, even intoxicating color similar to the color of the Amethyst but a deeper or more intense shade of violet. Like purple, violet also has a strong connection to spirituality and the uncanny ability – like ultra violet light – of seeing things you wouldn’t normally be able to see in normal light. Violet is also the color of groups seeking to make a difference to some societal wrong, like the early 20th century Suffragettes and the current LGBTQ movement.

Identifying Violet and Ultra Violet Gemstones

But where violet or ultraviolet gemstones are concerned there appears not to be one that you can identify by color only like you would an Emerald or a Ruby. Rather, you have to dig deep into the various families like quartz, garnet, etc where they are known by different names such as Morganite, Kunzite, Rubellite, etc. I’m certain, though, that at LL Private Jewellers will know if there are actual gemstones known simply by the color Violet because gems are her business and she’s extremely knowledgeable. So, if you’re interested in adding Ultra Violet gemstones to your jewelry collection, you should contact her.

Color Wheel and Gemstone Hues

On a color wheel, violet is next to blue with purple between violet and red, meaning that violet is a cooler hue than purple. Ultra Violet, however, is an intense shade of the cool Violet so it would have to be in the middle ground where purple is between the aggressive red and the tranquil blue.

Known Violet Gemstones

As for Violet gemstones, I know of only two that have violet in their identification or names, namely (1) the Violet Flame Opal that’s not a true violet but rather a purple and white stone from Mexico, known as ‘a stone of tranquility’ (for the blue in its color) with a spiritual connection, and (2) the rare silicate mineral Violet Charoite whose colors range from a stunning bright lavender to violet to deep purple.

This stone with its violet to purple shades in a single stone has been described as ‘unnaturally beautiful’ and one of the most distinct gemstones available today because of its swirling or feather-like patterning in a single stone. The Violet Flame Opal stone is also the Zodiac birthstone for Scorpio.

Ultra Violet Light and Fluorescence

Where UV (ultraviolet) light is concerned, however, the Fluorite gemstone immediately comes to mind as a suitable ultra violet gem for Pantone’s color of the year 2018 because its fluorescent colors include red, white and purple with some stones exhibiting different colors, even intense violet, under long and short wave UV light.

Tanzanite: A Violet Gemstone

Another gem that has violet in it is Tanzanite and while it has an incredible color saturation it is still not an ultra violet shade. Also, because the blue part of the tanzanite is so highly valued, the stone is usually cut to maximize the blue rather than the violet color even though many stones lean towards the violet end of the scale. Therefore, with violet in it or a major part of the stone, while not the intense ultra violet shade, the Tanzanite could suffice as an ultra violet gemstone. Tanzanite is also the official December birthstone.

Iolite and its Violet Hue

And another gem that can rival the Tanzanite for its violet color is the Iolite whose name comes from the Greek ‘ios’ meaning violet. But here again it’s a soft or cool violet rather than an intense or ultra violet shade. Its colors are pale to dark blue or violet with the most desirable color being an intense violet-blue meaning the Iolite too could stand in for an ultra violet gemstone. And, a bonus, it’s affordable even in large stones because it’s found in many parts of the world including India, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Australia’s Northern Territory, and Yellowknife, Canada.

The Warm Purple of Tourmaline

Or, if you prefer the warm side of purple (red) to the cool (blue) side, Tourmaline would be a good choice, specifically the Rubellite whose fantastic warm purple color makes it a big hit with colored stone fans.

Sugilite: A Rare Violet Gem

As well, though, there is also the Sugilite, so named for Ken Sugi, the geologist who first discovered it in 1944 in Japan. At that time, though, it was unsuitable for gems but in 1979 in S. Africa another deposit was discovered that was suitable for gems and in 1980 Sugilite was classified as a rare gem. Its colors are violet-purple, light purple, bluish-purple, reddish-purple, plum, lilac, magenta, sometimes with a mottled, veined, blotchy, or layered appearance and sometimes in a uniform or single color.

Amethyst: A Violet-Purple Gemstone

And lastly though certainly not the least, there is the Amethyst, (quartz) February’s birthstone that is probably the first purple stone that springs to mind. The Amethyst though is not a true purple but rather a violet-purple and therefore, even though it’s not an intense violet shade, qualifies equally well for Pantone’s ultra violet choice of color for 2018.

Exploring the World of Violet Gemstones

Exploring the world of violet gemstones opens up a realm of mesmerizing colors and unique options for jewelry enthusiasts. Whether you seek the intense beauty of ultra violet or the subtler shades of violet and purple, these gemstones offer a vibrant spectrum of choices to adorn your jewelry collection. The allure of violet gemstones goes beyond their color; it encompasses the rich history, symbolism, and diverse origins of these exquisite gems.

So, if you're in search of a gem that reflects the spirit of Ultra Violet, Pantone's color of the year, or simply want to embrace the beauty of violet, the world of gemstones is ready to delight your senses.

For further information regarding any of these gemstones or to personally see them please contact LL Private Jewellers where, I guarantee, you won’t be disappointed. Also, if you’re of a mind to design your own jewellery, know that warm purples or cool or ultra violets are stunning in either white or yellow metals. And, when you wear these colours, don’t be a shrinking violet but rather a violet vision that exudes elegance and positivity for such is the nature of these colours.

Please for more information about ultra violet gemstones contact LL Private Jewellers at 604-684-6343.