[1][2] The species was described in 2020 by Xinyue Wang, Jerry A Cooper, Andy R Nilsen and David A Orlovich.

The pileus ranges from 25 to 45 mm in diameter, can be pear-shaped to almost rounded with an incurved margin that is not attached to the stipe at maturity.

The stipe is 30–90 mm long and 8–14 mm wide, centrally attached, equal to subclavate in shape, white to pale lavender in colour, with a surface that is longitudinally striate, and having a fragile attachment to the sporocarp.

[1] Cortinarius purpureocapitatus is distinguished from the other purple secotioid species in New Zealand by the combination of having tramal plates and smooth spores.

[1] Cortinarius purpureocapitatus occurs in forests and is found in both the North and South Island of New Zealand.