Gem Profile- Charoite
Charoite
Although purple was my favorite color at age 10, I was not allowed to wear it because I was told that both purple and black were "mourning" colors and meant to be worn by older women, not young girls. Being artistic, I thought I could get away with wearing purple if I brightened it up by adding green or orange - not! I was told that certain color combinations just did not go together, like green and purple, or orange and purple. My, how times have changed! Of course, back then my mother was heavily into mineral collecting, but only those found in North America. Little did she know that Mother Nature had already decided that yes! Purple and orange DO go together quite beautifully, in the natural formation of the mineral known as Charoite. (Mom lightened up as I got older.)
Although purple was my favorite color at age 10, I was not allowed to wear it because I was told that both purple and black were "mourning" colors and meant to be worn by older women, not young girls. Being artistic, I thought I could get away with wearing purple if I brightened it up by adding green or orange - not! I was told that certain color combinations just did not go together, like green and purple, or orange and purple. My, how times have changed! Of course, back then my mother was heavily into mineral collecting, but only those found in North America. Little did she know that Mother Nature had already decided that yes! Purple and orange DO go together quite beautifully, in the natural formation of the mineral known as Charoite. (Mom lightened up as I got older.)
A large polished slab of charoite that my daughter will not let us cut because it resembles Vincent van Gogh's painting,
Charoite was first discovered in the 1940s, but it was not officially recognized until 1978.
This long gap may be due to its remote location in Siberia, where the extreme weather and terrain make exploration difficult.
Charoite is a calcium potassium silicate mineral that forms in limestone deposits. It appears in striking shades of lavender, lilac, and purple, often mixed with black, green, or orange.
Although its name comes from the Chary or Charo River in Yakutia, Russia, local people call it Sirenevyi Kamen, which means lilac stone.
A 3-1/2 pound chunk of rough charoite from Russia. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
This long gap may be due to its remote location in Siberia, where the extreme weather and terrain make exploration difficult.
Charoite is a calcium potassium silicate mineral that forms in limestone deposits. It appears in striking shades of lavender, lilac, and purple, often mixed with black, green, or orange.
Although its name comes from the Chary or Charo River in Yakutia, Russia, local people call it Sirenevyi Kamen, which means lilac stone.
A 3-1/2 pound chunk of rough charoite from Russia. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Charoite is always found as a massive mineral, which means it does not form crystals.
Its silky, chatoyant violet swirls are highlighted by black aegerine-augite needles, peach to orange tinkasite, and green microcline.
Lapidaries often face the challenge of the stone peeling at the edges because it forms in irregular layers, similar to mica schist.
Charoite is also difficult to polish since it is fibrous and its inclusions all have different hardness levels.
Besides being used for cabochons and beads, charoite measures 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
Carvers also shape it into ornamental pieces such as urns, vases, candlesticks, and statuary.
A selection of AA grade charoite cabochons. Notice the orange tinkasite in the cab on the left. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Its silky, chatoyant violet swirls are highlighted by black aegerine-augite needles, peach to orange tinkasite, and green microcline.
Lapidaries often face the challenge of the stone peeling at the edges because it forms in irregular layers, similar to mica schist.
Charoite is also difficult to polish since it is fibrous and its inclusions all have different hardness levels.
Besides being used for cabochons and beads, charoite measures 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
Carvers also shape it into ornamental pieces such as urns, vases, candlesticks, and statuary.
A selection of AA grade charoite cabochons. Notice the orange tinkasite in the cab on the left. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Charoite is considered rare because it comes from a single location, and open pit mining is only possible for a few months each year.
These short seasons often produce large, quarry-sized stones.
Because charoite is still relatively new to the market, buyers should understand how some sellers classify it.
Charoite with strong chatoyancy, minimal inclusions, a feather-like pattern, and deep color is viewed as the highest quality.
Material that shows black, peach, or orange inclusions is not considered pure and is usually more affordable.
As a designer, I actually prefer the inclusions!
A charoite and amethyst pendant made in sterling silver by Dale Cougar Armstrong, titled: "Balance."
These short seasons often produce large, quarry-sized stones.
Because charoite is still relatively new to the market, buyers should understand how some sellers classify it.
Charoite with strong chatoyancy, minimal inclusions, a feather-like pattern, and deep color is viewed as the highest quality.
Material that shows black, peach, or orange inclusions is not considered pure and is usually more affordable.
As a designer, I actually prefer the inclusions!
A charoite and amethyst pendant made in sterling silver by Dale Cougar Armstrong, titled: "Balance."
Charoite is distinctive and easy to recognize. Its pearly luster and deep chatoyancy can make it look synthetic, but the only known imitations are plastic or misrepresented fluorite.
Many charoite beads on the market are stabilized with resin to make them easier to cut and polish. Natural material is significantly more expensive, although both forms are equally beautiful.
As a newer gemstone, charoite has no traditional legends or historical stories, yet it has inspired a wide range of metaphysical beliefs. These include reducing negativity, easing bad dreams, relieving stress, and boosting creativity.
Many charoite beads on the market are stabilized with resin to make them easier to cut and polish. Natural material is significantly more expensive, although both forms are equally beautiful.
As a newer gemstone, charoite has no traditional legends or historical stories, yet it has inspired a wide range of metaphysical beliefs. These include reducing negativity, easing bad dreams, relieving stress, and boosting creativity.
Resources
Print Resources:
Minerals of the World by Walter Schumann, ISBN 0-8069-8570-4
Internet Resources:
www.vangoghgallery.com
www.mindat.org
www.wikipedia.org
Print Resources:
Minerals of the World by Walter Schumann, ISBN 0-8069-8570-4
Internet Resources:
www.vangoghgallery.com
www.mindat.org
www.wikipedia.org
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Dale Armstrong
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