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 Tourmaline
Which Purple Gemstone Should You Select?
When selecting a purple gemstone, Amethyst and Tourmaline are two of the most popular choices. Both offer vibrant purples, but their composition, hardness, value, and care requirements differ.
This comprehensive Amethyst vs Tourmaline comparison guide will help you understand the differences in colour, clarity, and value to pick the ideal gemstone for your jewellery.
Amethyst vs Tourmaline: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Amethyst | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Quartz | Borate mineral family |
| Hardness | 7 – Durable for jewellery | 7 – 7.5 – Durable for daily wear |
| Value | Moderate; affordable luxury | Moderate to high; rare colours more valuable |
| Best For | Decorative jewellery, budget-friendly pieces | Fine jewellery, investment-grade pieces, unique designs |
| Professional Guides | Amethyst Buyer’s Guide | Tourmaline Buyer’s Guide |
Amethyst Features, Colour & Value Explained
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz prized for its vivid colour and affordability. It is widely used in fashion and statement jewellery, and Mohs hardness 7 makes it suitable for rings, earrings, and pendants.
Origins & History:
Amethysts are found in Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, and Madagascar. Historically, amethyst symbolised royalty, protection, and spiritual clarity. It remains one of the most popular purple gemstones worldwide.
Price Guide (per carat):
R100 – R4,000 depending on colour intensity and size.
Tourmaline Features, Colour & Value Explained
Tourmaline is a borate mineral that comes in a wide spectrum of colours, with purple (sometimes called “Rubellite”) being highly sought after. With Mohs hardness 7 – 7.5, it is very durable and ideal for daily wear.
Origins & History:
Tourmaline is mined in Brazil, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Madagascar. Purple tourmaline is rarer than amethyst, especially in large, clean stones, which increases its value.
Price Guide (per carat):
R500 – R25,000 depending on colour and clarity.
Amethyst vs Tourmaline: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Amethyst | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) | Complex boron silicate (various elements) |
| Colour | Light lavender to deep purple; some violet-red hues | Violet, purple, reddish-purple, sometimes pinkish-purple |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 – Suitable for daily wear | 7 – 7.5 – Durable, ideal for rings |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 – 1.553 | 1.624 – 1.644 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 | 3.06 – 3.12 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Usually eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable | Often eye-clean; rare internal fractures may occur |
| Origin | Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, Madagascar | Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Madagascar |
| Treatment | Occasionally heat-treated to deepen colour | Sometimes heat-treated; generally untreated |
| Best Use | Budget-friendly rings, pendants, decorative jewellery | Fine jewellery, statement rings, investment pieces |
Amethyst vs Tourmaline: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Amethyst: Light lavender to deep purple, with violet-red accents.
- Tourmaline: Vivid purple, often brighter and rarer; sometimes pinkish undertones.
Hardness & Durability:
- Amethyst: Mohs 7 – durable but may scratch more easily.
- Tourmaline: Mohs 7–7.5 – durable, ideal for rings and daily wear.
Care Tips:
- Amethyst: Avoid prolonged sunlight and harsh chemicals.
- Tourmaline: Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water; avoid sudden temperature changes.
Amethyst vs Tourmaline: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Check colour saturation, refractive brilliance, and inclusions. Tourmaline generally has higher refractive index and rarer purple shades. Always request a certificate for high-value stones.
Amethyst Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7
- Colour: Lavender to deep purple
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Inclusions: Minimal; usually eye-clean
- Care: Avoid prolonged sunlight; gentle cleaning
Tourmaline Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – 7.5
- Colour: Purple, violet-red, sometimes pinkish-purple
- Refractive Index: 1.624 – 1.644
- Inclusions: Rare; minor internal fractures possible
- Care: Gentle cleaning; avoid temperature shocks
Buying Tips
- Request gem certificates for both amethyst and tourmaline.
- Consider colour intensity and clarity when selecting jewellery.
- Evaluate treatment disclosures: heat treatment may deepen colour.
- For amethyst jewellery, secure prongs recommended; for tourmaline jewellery, protective settings enhance durability.
- Browse our Amethyst Collection and Tourmaline Collection.
Which Purple Gemstone Should You Choose?
- Amethyst: Affordable, widely available, ideal for decorative jewellery and fashion pieces.
- Tourmaline: Rarer, brighter purple, suitable for investment-grade jewellery and statement pieces.
Both purple gemstones are versatile and stunning; knowing the differences ensures a confident purchase.
Amethyst vs Tourmaline FAQ’s
Can tourmaline be mistaken for amethyst?
Yes, especially in lighter purple shades; professional verification recommended.
Are tourmalines more expensive than amethysts?
Generally yes; rare, vivid purple tourmalines can be significantly pricier.
Is amethyst suitable for daily wear?
Yes, Mohs 7 hardness is adequate, but be careful of scratches.
Do amethysts require special care?
Avoid prolonged sunlight and harsh chemicals.
Are tourmalines treated?
Some stones may be heat-treated; most are naturally coloured.
Which is better for investment purposes?
Tourmaline, due to rarity and value of fine, clean stones.
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