We are attempting to identify this eggplant-purple tinged Pine-looking plant. It is approximately 8-10 inches tall and 5 inches at its widest girth. It has thick, spikey needles and a woody stem. It currently lives underneath a porch and appeared in December. We live in zone 7a.

The photo is...um, can you try for better lighting and a new photo. I'm not seeing the color purple. Is it purple or more a brown color?

If it has been extremely cold where you are, perhaps the sapling is showing signs of stress due to the cold. That happens with lots of different plants.

That is very likely a seedling of Juniperus virginiana, the Virginia Juniper - which is most often commonly called Eastern Redcedar.

Turning purplish in response to winter cold temperatures is quite normal for this species.