Shiny Purple Rocks & Minerals
A shiny purple rock is one of the most common identification questions. The shine is the first clue: 3 of the 29 candidates below have a true metallic luster (Aura Quartz, Bornite, and Covellite), while 24 are glassy like broken bottle glass (Amethyst, Fluorite, and Iolite).
Metallic-looking stones are usually sulfides, oxides or native metals and feel heavy; glassy ones are typically silicates, quartz varieties or volcanic glass. Hardness and streak settle most cases.
Metallic shiny purple rocks (3)
Glassy shiny purple rocks (24)
Waxy, silky or pearly shiny purple rocks (2)
Frequently asked questions
Is my shiny purple rock a meteorite?
Almost never. Meteorites are rare, heavy, magnetic and usually have a dull dark fusion crust rather than a bright shine. Shiny purple finds are far more likely to be Amethyst, Fluorite, and Ametrine.
How can I tell a metallic rock from a glassy one?
Metallic luster reflects light like polished metal and the stone is opaque even at thin edges; glassy (vitreous) luster looks like glass and thin edges often let light through. Metallic minerals also tend to leave a colored streak on unglazed porcelain.
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