Tradename(s):

Family:

Silicate (Inosilicate Group)

Description:

Charoite is formed from alteration of limestones by the close presence of an alkali-rich nephline syenite intrusion. It comes in a range of colors from white, lavender, lilac, violet, and/or purple. The lilac to purple being the most prized. It has a vitreous to pearly luster. It has a fibrous interlocking crystal mass. Like pietersite and tiger-eye, it has chatoyant fibers that make it attractive for lapidary.

Hardness:

5

Found:

Chara River region in Siberia, Russia.

Healing Properties:

Calms fears, gives courage. Aids in relieving headaches, and reduces high blood pressure.

Astrology:

Charoite is associated the sign Aquarius, with the planets Saturn and Pluto, and with the Element - Water

Chakra:

6th

Feng Shui:

Legends and Folklore:

This stone is a fairly recent one to the market, so there really isn't any folklore or legends associated with it. Charoite is found only along the Chara River Valley in a very remote area of East Central Siberia (Russia). In fact, this is area is only accessible by air, north of Lake Baikal, an area where political prisoners are imprisoned. The Russians first discovered Charoite in 1947, but didn't become known to the west until the late 1970's. There have been many questions as to why the stone has not been found anywhere else in the world. The scientists have speculated that it was formed under extremely rare and unusual conditions associated with its location which makes it nearly impossible to duplicate. The material is found as massive rock which was put to good use as decorative rock in Russia. There are support columns on some of the buildings in the country made from charoite. Vases, lamp bases, tiles, and other decorative items in large sizes are made from this stone. Jewelry became very popular with this stone as well, with its beautiful color and chatoyancy. There isn't another stone like it out there with those combinations..