1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Amethyst vs Spinel
Which Purple Gemstone Should You Choose?
Choosing a purple gemstone for jewellery can be challenging. Amethyst and Spinel are two of the most admired purple gemstones, each offering unique colour, clarity, and value.
This comprehensive Amethyst vs Spinel comparison guide will help you understand the key differences, so you can select the perfect purple gemstone for your jewellery collection.
Amethyst vs Spinel: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Amethyst | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Quartz | Spinel |
| Hardness | 7 – Durable for occasional wear | 8 – Very durable for daily wear |
| Value | Moderate; widely available | Moderate to high; rarer than amethyst |
| Best For | Amethyst jewellery, decorative pieces, affordable purple jewellery | Spinel jewellery, statement pieces, everyday purple gemstones |
| Professional Guides | Amethyst Buyer’s Guide | Spinel Buyer’s Guide |
Amethyst Features, Colour & Uses Explained
Amethyst is a beautiful purple quartz prized for its vibrant colour range, from pale lilac to deep purple. It is widely used in rings, earrings, and pendants, and is an affordable option for those seeking quality purple gemstones.
Origins & History:
Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and South Africa. Historically, it symbolised royalty, calm, and spiritual clarity.
Price Guide (per carat):
R200 – R3,000 depending on colour, size, and quality.
Spinel Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Spinel is a durable gemstone with Mohs hardness 8. Purple spinels are rarer than amethyst and display a vivid, saturated purple colour that rivals amethyst in intensity.
Origins & History:
Spinels come from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam. They are historically famous for adorning crowns and royal jewellery.
Price Guide (per carat):
R5,000 – R70,000 depending on quality and size.
Amethyst vs Spinel: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Amethyst | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron traces | Magnesium aluminium oxide (MgAl2O4) |
| Colour | Light lavender to deep purple, violet tones | Purple, violet, deep magenta-purple |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 – Moderate durability | 8 – Very durable, suitable for daily wear |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 – 1.553 | 1.718 – 1.736 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 | 3.58 – 3.61 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Usually eye-clean; occasional colour zoning | Generally eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable |
| Origin | Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, South Africa | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam |
| Treatment | Rarely heat-treated for deeper colour | Mostly untreated; occasional heat treatment |
| Best Use | Amethyst jewellery, decorative pieces, earrings, pendants | Spinel jewellery, statement rings, daily wear |
Amethyst vs Spinel: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Amethyst: Ranges from pale lilac to rich deep purple; colour intensity drives value.
- Spinel: Vivid purple to magenta-purple; rarer and highly prized.
Hardness & Durability:
- Amethyst: Mohs 7 – suitable for occasional wear; can scratch more easily.
- Spinel: Mohs 8 – very durable; excellent for everyday rings and bracelets.
Care Tips:
- Amethyst: Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight; clean gently with mild soap.
- Spinel: Hard and durable; clean with mild soap and water, avoid impact.
How to Tell Amethyst from Spinel
💡 Tip: Hardness, brilliance, and colour saturation are key clues. Spinel is slightly harder and more brilliant; amethyst may show colour zoning. Professional verification is recommended for high-value pieces.
Amethyst Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – moderate durability
- Colour: Pale lilac to deep purple
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Inclusions: Rare; usually eye-clean
- Care: Avoid prolonged sunlight and rough handling
Spinel Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 8 – very durable
- Colour: Purple to violet-magenta
- Refractive Index: 1.718 – 1.736
- Inclusions: Minimal; usually eye-clean
- Care: Durable for daily wear; avoid knocks
Buying Tips
- Always request a gemological certificate for spinel.
- For amethyst, check colour intensity and clarity.
- Understand treatment disclosures; amethyst is rarely treated, spinel occasionally heat-treated.
- Consider jewellery setting: protective settings are beneficial for amethyst due to softer nature.
- Browse our Amethyst Collection and Spinel Collection.
Which Purple Gemstone Should You Choose?
- Amethyst: Affordable, widely available, excellent for decorative jewellery and colour variety.
- Spinel: Rare, vibrant, highly durable, ideal for investment-quality purple jewellery.
Both are beautiful and versatile; understanding technical differences ensures the best choice for your style and jewellery needs.
Amethyst vs Spinel FAQ’s
Can spinel be mistaken for amethyst?
Yes, but spinel is harder and more brilliant; professional verification is recommended.
Are spinels more expensive than amethyst?
Generally yes; purple spinels are rarer and higher in value.
Can amethyst be worn daily?
Yes, but avoid rough wear; Mohs 7 makes it softer than spinel.
Do amethysts fade in sunlight?
Prolonged sunlight can lighten the colour; store jewellery in a cool, dark place.
Are spinels treated?
Mostly untreated; occasional heat treatment occurs.
Which gemstone is better for statement jewellery?
Spinel for durability and brilliance; amethyst for larger colourful pieces at affordable prices.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite