Purple Jade (Dyed Quartz or Quartzite)
Quartz var. Dyed Quartzite · Decorative Stone and Jewelry Pendant
Crystal System
Trigonal, shaped into a machine-cut pendant with a double-terminated hexagonal prism habit
Mineral Group
Silicates
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Metamorphic formation for quartzite (metamorphosed quartz sandstone), followed by artificial cutting, polishing, and dye enhancement
About This Crystal
A vibrant, intensely saturated magenta to deep purple pendant cut into a pointed crystal shape (often sold as 'purple jade' or synthetic crystal). It exhibits translucent to opaque clarity with a vitreous to waxy luster. Internal cloudiness and web-like fracture patterns typical of dye absorption are visible.
Physical Characteristics
Color is a uniform bright purple/magenta resulting from dye; streak is white; cleavage is absent; fracture is conchoidal; specific gravity is approximately 2.65; tenacity is brittle; non-magnetic and exhibits piezoelectric properties
Optical Properties
Refractive index ranges from 1.544 to 1.553; doubly refractive (uniaxial positive); low birefringence; no significant pleochroism or special optical phenomena outside of surface reflection
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Globally sourced, frequently carved and treated in manufacturing centers in China and Brazil
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7 for the host quartz/quartzite matrix; good toughness; stable under normal wear conditions though artificial dye can be sensitive to harsh solvents
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which may degrade the artificial dye
Rarity & Value
Very common; low commercial value as it is heavily processed, mass-produced, and dyed to mimic rarer minerals like sugilite or purple jadeite
Special Characteristics
The intense coloration is artificial, created by introducing dye into microscopic fractures within the heated quartz aggregate
Lore & History
Often marketed as a stone for spiritual awakening, third-eye chakra alignment, and emotional balance, though these attributes are modern metaphysical beliefs rather than traditional or scientific facts