A striking secotioid Cortinarius of New Zealand Nothofagus forest, recognised by its deep violet pileus, loculate hymenophore with tramal plates, and smooth to finely asperulate spores.

Pileus: 25-45 mm diam., pyriform to subglobose; margin incurved and not attached to stipe at maturity. Surface: Subviscid to viscid; violet to dark violet, sometimes with reddish hues. Other features: Occasionally with a shallow apical depression; not hygrophanous.
Hymenophore: Type: Loculate, up to 3 mm long. Structure: Ellipsoid chambers with white to pale violet tramal plates, weakly to strongly pronounced. Colour: Brown at maturity. Attachment: Plates attached to upper stipe, then becoming free. Columella: Occasionally percurrent, dark violet.
Stipe: 30-90 x 8-14 mm. Position: Central; equal to subclavate. Colour: White to pale lavender. Surface: Longitudinally striate; attachment to pileus fragile.
Context: White to white with a violaceous sheen, especially at base.
Odour/taste: Not recorded.