Purple Anhydrite: Identification, Uses, and Meaning

Purple anhydrite is a very rare variety of the mineral anhydrite.

Compared with other stones, it is a relatively newly discovered mineral, and is only found in limited locations around the world.

It has multiple practical uses, yet it is rarely used for jewelry.

In this article, we will look at purple anhydrite in more detail, focusing on where it can be found, how it can be told from other stones, and what it is commonly used for.

What is Purple Anhydrite?

A variety of the anhydrite mineral, purple anhydrite is a very rare and unique stone found in the mines of Madagascar.

The name ‘anhydrite’ comes from the Greek word for a lack of water, which means the stone contains no water in its composition.

As we will see later, the addition of water to anhydrite minerals can convert it to another stone, gypsum.

In terms of metaphysical properties, some believe it to be capable of connecting to angels and spirit guides.

Many use the stone as an aid to healing and psychic abilities, believing it to be potent for opening the third eye.

Where is Purple Anhydrite Found?

Anhydrite in general is typically found in arid locations where water may have once existed and since evaporated; similarly, purple anhydrite is found in Madagascar.

Compared with other stones, it is a relatively recent discovery and can be very difficult to find.

Generally, it ranges in color from a light lilac to a deep purple.

How Can You Identify Purple Anhydrite?

Color may seem like the first and most obvious way to identify purple anhydrite.

However, its purple hue may make it more difficult to identify from other purple stones, such as amethyst, purple sapphire, and lavender quartz.

Instead, identification is possibly easier through its cleavage.

One of anhydrite’s most unique characteristics is its cleavage; the stone cleaves in three right angles, which can help to give it a distinctive shape.

This shape makes it easily recognizable, and combined with a purple coloring, makes it easier to identify purple anhydrite.

How Can You Tell Purple Anhydrite From Other Stones?

Purple anhydrite is very similar to the much more common mineral gypsum; the two are easily confused, and gypsum is probably the stone purple anhydrite is most mistaken for.

The two are very similar in terms of chemical composition, and purple anhydrite can even become gypsum very easily.

The best way to distinguish purple anhydrite from gypsum is to look at water content.

Purple anhydrite contains no water, while gypsum does; this makes the two slightly different chemically.

The stone is also chemically very similar to angelite; the two also share some supposed metaphysical properties.

Fortunately, angelite and purple anhydrite do not share many physical similarities, meaning it is fairly simple to separate one from the other.

Angelite is typically blue in color, whereas purple anhydrite has exclusively purple hues.

In terms of appearance, anhydrite in general can also be easily confused with calcite; the two are often very closely associated.

They can be difficult to distinguish from appearance alone.

One way to tell is through looking at composition; calcite is formed from calcium carbonate, while anhydrite consists of a form of calcium sulfate.

What Is Purple Anhydrite Used For?

Purple anhydrite, and anhydrite in general, have a number of uses, including as a substitute for gypsum in some cases.

The amount of calcium in both minerals means they are often used as a treatment for soil; typically, anhydrite is thought to be the better of the two for this.

It is also commonly used as a drying agent in things like plaster and paint; it can also be used to create plaster when mixed with gypsum.

As it is so rare and can be difficult to obtain, purple anhydrite is typically only used in small amounts for this purpose.

Interestingly, anhydrite of any kind is not typically used for jewelry.

It is thought to be challenging to obtain and shape and is extremely prone to scratching, meaning it is not necessarily the best stone for jewelry.

It is also unable to come into contact with water, meaning that daily wear jewelry is even less suitable.

In terms of the metaphysical, the stone is typically thought to be a potent aid in meditation practices.

It is often used as a means to open the third eye and many believe it is capable of aiding communication with angels and the spiritual world.

What Is The Meaning of Purple Anhydrite?

Purple anhydrite has many meanings, including both physical and spiritual associations.

Many believe it is capable of providing health benefits in areas such as digestion and the thyroid; some even claim it is capable of preventing blood clotting.

It is also thought to aid mental clarity, providing calmness, and removing negativity.

It is also a popular stone amongst those who wish to communicate with the spiritual world, with many believing it is capable of opening the mind to what is beyond our own world.

It is thought to help communication with angels, spirit guides, and even those no longer with us.

Many believe the stone is helpful for opening the third eye.

How to Care For Purple Anhydrite

One of the most important things you can do in caring for any anhydrite is to keep it dry – when in contact with water, anhydrite will over time convert to the gypsum mineral.

It is important that the stone is kept somewhere dry and secure from moisture, especially as it is such an absorbent material.

Another consideration is cleaning.

For the reasons we have discussed above, water should not be used to clean the stone.

However, it also important that you don’t wipe your purple anhydrite.

Dust is capable of scratching the stone’s surface, meaning that a wiping movement can cause scratches. Instead, try patting the stone gently.

Summary

A relatively recent discovery, purple anhydrite is a unique, rare mineral.

It has supposed deep ties with the spiritual world and distinctive features that make it a popular choice for practical purposes.