Alvania purpurea is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk or micromollusk in the family Rissoidae.

[1] This species occurs in the Pacific Ocean off Monterey, California.

(Original description) The small shell consists of four rounded whorls that are rather pointed.

The aperture is rounded and is interrupted by the body whorl.

The color of the shell is whitish, the revolving ribs in perfect specimens being a beautiful purple.