Purple fluorite and amethyst are two different gemstones that can both have a purple color. I love both of these gemstones, but sometimes they can be difficult to tell apart.
In this short guide, you'll learn some similarities and differences between the two minerals, as well as some practical ways to tell them apart:
Similarities Between Purple Fluorite & Amethyst
- Both purple fluorite and amethyst are gemstones that are known for their purple color, which can range from pale lavender to deep violet
- They can be both transparent or translucent
- Both of them are popular choices for jewelry, such as bracelet, rings, pendants, and earrings
Differences Between Purple Fluorite & Amethyst
- They are different types of minerals. This means that purple fluorite has a different chemical composition and crystal structure than amethyst
- Purple fluorite has a lower hardness compared to amethyst. This means that purple fluorite is more susceptible to scratching than amethyst
- Purple fluorite can exhibit multiple colours within the same stone, while amethyst typically has a more uniform color. This means that purple fluorite can have stripes, bands, or patches of different colours, while amethyst typically has a single color (or shades of purple) throughout the crystal
How To Tell Purple Fluorite & Amethyst Apart
- Look for color variations. Purple fluorite can have multiple colours within the same stone, while amethyst typically has a more uniform color. So, if you see stripes, bands, or patches of different colours within the stone, it is more likely to be purple fluorite.
- Test the hardness. Purple fluorite has a lower hardness of 4 compared to amethyst which has a hardness of 7. Purple fluorite is less scratch-resistant, so it will scratch more easily than amethyst.
- Check the crystal structure. Purple fluorite and amethyst have different crystal structures, which can be seen through a microscope or magnifying glass. This is especially useful if you have a rough stone/raw gemstone specimen. Purple fluorite has a cubic crystal structure, with cube-shaped crystals that have sharp edges and corners. Amethyst has a hexagonal crystal structure, with elongated crystals that have six-sided shapes. So, if you see cube-shaped crystals with sharp edges and corners, it is more likely to be purple fluorite.
- Test with a UV light. You can try using a UV light to see if the mineral fluoresces (glows) under the light. Purple fluorite will often fluoresce under a UV light, while amethyst generally will not.
