How can amethyst and purple sapphire be distinguished from one another

1. How can amethyst and purple sapphire be distinguished from one another?

2. Amethyst and purple sapphire can often be confused due to their similar purple colors. However, there are a few distinct ways to tell them apart. One method is to observe their hardness - amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale while sapphire is a 9. Additionally, you can examine their crystal structures - amethyst is a type of quartz with a hexagonal crystal structure, whereas sapphire belongs to the corundum family and has a trigonal crystal structure.

3. Other purple gemstones include purple garnet, purple spinel, and purple tourmaline. It's important to note that the shade of purple can vary greatly among different gemstone varieties.

5. Purple sapphire and violet sapphire can appear quite similar at first glance, but there are a few distinctions between the two. Purple sapphire leans more towards the red side of the color spectrum, while violet sapphire has more of a blue undertone. Additionally, purple sapphires tend to be more valuable and sought after compared to violet sapphires.

6. Purple sapphire is not specifically associated with a birthstone month. Sapphire itself is the birthstone for September. Other purple gemstones, such as amethyst, are commonly associated with the month of February.

7. The answer to whether amethyst or purple sapphire is better ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use. Amethyst is a more affordable option and widely available, while purple sapphire is a rare and valuable gemstone often used in high-end jewelry. However, purple sapphire is harder and more durable than amethyst, making it a better choice for everyday wear.++