Charoite
Swirling violet silicate from one river valley in Siberia.
- Family
- Charoite
- Formula
- K(Ca,Na)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH,F)·H₂O
- Mohs
- 5 to 6
- System
- Monoclinic
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Science
Charoite is a rare potassium calcium silicate formed where a syenite intrusion altered limestone, producing fibrous violet masses swirled with black aegirine and orange tinaksite. It was described only in 1978, and its chatoyant, feathery pattern is unmistakable.
- Mineral
- Charoite
- Formula
- K(Ca,Na)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH,F)·H₂O
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 5 to 6
- Specific gravity
- 2.54 to 2.78
- Refractive index
- 1.550 to 1.560
- Lustre
- Vitreous to pearly
- Colours
- Violet, Lilac, Purple with black
Composition
K(Ca,Na)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH,F)·H₂O. Made of Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Silicon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Fluorine, with trace Manganese responsible for colour.
Origin
- RussiaChara River, Sakha Republic
Filled dots are primary sources
Rarity
One deposit in the world, on the Murun massif, worked in short seasons. Supply is limited and prices are rising.
- 1 Abundant
- 2 Common
- 3 Uncommon
- 4 Rare
- 5 Exceptional
Hardness
Charoite sits at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Glass and a knife blade are about as hard; it wears well with care.
Energy
Associations from crystal-healing tradition, recorded here as folklore. They are not medical claims.
Chakras
- Crown
- Heart
- Third Eye
Element
- Air
Zodiac
- Sagittarius
- Scorpio
Planets
- Neptune
Properties
- Transformation
- Spiritual insight
- Courage
- Release of fear
Lore
It has no history before the 1940s, when it was found during Soviet railway surveys, and no traditional lore. Its name is from the Chara River, possibly with a nod to the Russian chary, charms.
In modern practice it is the stone of transformation, mostly on the strength of its colour and its Siberian mystique.
- Described1978, one of the newest ornamental stones.
- CompanionsBlack aegirine and orange tinaksite make the pattern.