Why Purple Diamonds are among the Most Mysterious and Rare Gemstones ?

When it comes to rare gemstones, purple diamonds sit in a class of their own. They’re not just beautiful — they’re genuinely mysterious. Even gemologists are still trying to figure them out.

With a colour historically tied to royalty, wealth, power, and ambition, it’s no surprise that these diamonds are some of the most coveted in the world. But what’s truly fascinating is how little we actually know about how they get their colour.

A colour that science still can't fully explain

Unlike blue diamonds, where boron is the known cause of colour, or yellow diamonds coloured by nitrogen, purple diamonds don’t have a confirmed explanation. Gemologists believe the colour might be linked to distortions in the crystal lattice during formation, but no one knows for sure.

That mystery just adds to their allure.

Purple vs Violet vs Pinkish-Purple

Purple diamonds can show a variety of undertones or secondary colours. If a diamond leans toward pink or red, it’s typically classified under the “Purple” category. If it trends more toward blue or gray, it gets labeled as “Violet.”

The distinction matters in gem grading — and in price.

Where are they found?

You can count the known sources of purple diamonds on one hand:

• Brazil

• Siberia (Russia)

• Quebec (Canada)

• Argyle Mine (Australia)

That’s it. And with the Argyle Mine now closed, purple diamonds from this famous source have become even more desirable — and harder to find.

Not Just Rare, but Held to Higher Standards

Because of their scarcity, purple diamonds are held to much higher standards than more common coloured stones. Collectors and investors look for intensity, evenness of colour, and minimal inclusions, which means the top-tier stones are exceptionally rare and valuable.

Like pink and red diamonds, most purple diamonds come in very small sizes, making large specimens incredibly sought after.

Purple diamonds are a mix of beauty, rarity, and mystery. Their origins are still debated. Their supply is extremely limited. And their colour feels like something out of a fairytale.