Charoite - A Rare and Precious Gem of Shimmering Purples

Shimmering with dazzling soft lavender, violet orThis gem is a rock that comprises numerous
lilac luster to a deeper dark and mysterious purpleminerals including Charoite. The clearly distinctive
with whirling patterns of black Augite, microclinepurple color that often ranges from a light to dark
feldspar lucid crystals tinged with orange Tinaksitepurple with both opaque and translucent finishes
describes the rare and recently discovered mineraloften simultaneously contained within the same
gem Charoite. Gemologists easily identify thisgem is due to the mineral Charoite. Its fibrous
stone because although it is truly a beautifulcrystals that form in unusual swirling patterns
natural gemstone it's also one of the most uniquerandomly entwining also make it unique as well as
as well.striking.
Color: Light, Medium to Dark PurplesIt was first discovered in 1978 in the Murun
Mohs' Scale Hardness: 5 - 6Mountains in Yakutia, Russia; and was named
Specific Gravity: 2.5 - 2.8after the Charo River which is near where it was
Refractive Index: 1.55 - 1.56found. It is often mistaken as a synthetically
Fracture: Conchcoidalmanufactured stone because it is so strange
Sheen/Lustre: Vitreous to Pearly or Silkylooking. Due to its recent discovery, Chariote has
Crystal System: Monoclinicno legends that surround it.