This mineral has been hiding from people for millions of years, accumulating the energy of the northern land. The discovery of the breed was accidental and relatively recent. Charoite is not considered a precious mineral, but its rarity, beauty, and ease of processing make it an invaluable treasure for craftsmen.
History and origin
Geologists estimate the average age of the rock at 134 million years. However, charoite, alas, is not mentioned in ancient manuscripts, legends or sagas. Not because it does not have unique properties, no. It's just that throughout all these centuries the mineral was hiding from human eyes in the depths of Siberia.
In 1948, the famous scientist V. G. Ditmar conducted a geological survey of the Murun massif, located on the territory of Yakutia. It was here, when checking the Lena River basin for uranium deposits, that the geologist discovered purple boulders, mistaken for a type of shale.
22 years passed from that find before the stone was described as an independent mineral, and not a shale subspecies. Yu. G. Rogov and Yu. A. Alekseev are considered to be the discoverers of the mining site. This event happened in 1973, after which a detailed study of the deposit started.
It is interesting! After the discovery of the mineral, Yu. G. Rogov visited the Mineralogical Museum of the Louvre with a rock sample. At that time, an impressive collection of the planet's minerals was collected there, but the museum staff did not know about charoite. The scientist refused the offer to buy a sample of a unique find.
The official name "charoite" was approved by minerologists only in 1977, when geologist V.P. Rogova first discovered the mineral in the Chara River basin.
Charoite deposits
The uniqueness of charoite is due to the fact that the place of the first find of the stone is the only region where there are deposits of the mineral. Until today, scientists have not been able to detect even a trace of charoitite rock, anywhere on the planet.
The place of extraction of charoite is located on the border of Yakutia with the Irkutsk region. The deposit, called "Lilac Stone" is spread over 10 square kilometers, in the watershed of the Tokko and Chara rivers. There are 26 separate deposits of the mineral scattered in this territory, which are developed in a quarry way.
It is interesting! Masters of Irkutsk are currently working on the creation of a unique and unique charoite room in the world. The entire room will be lined with lilac mineral and furnished with all kinds of charoite pieces of furniture and decor. The approximate amount of material used varies within 20 tons.
The total amount of charoite reserves is estimated at approximately 140 thousand tons. Due to the rarity of the resource, the government of Yakutia has set a limit on annual production of up to 100 tons.
physical properties
Charoite owes its purple color to manganese impurities. The gem is part of a rock called charoitite. Studies have shown that this rock contains crystals of 40 other very rare minerals.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | (K, Ba, Sr) (Ca, Na)2 [Si4O10] (OH, F) H2O |
| Hardness | 6-7 |
| Density | 2,5-2,6 g / cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,550-1,559 |
| Kink | Uneven. |
| Syngonia | Monoclinic. |
| Brilliance | Glass or mother-of-pearl. |
| Transparency | Transparent otherwise not transparent. |
| Color | Purple, lilac and light brown. |
It is interesting that when the mineral is heated to 1000 ᵒС, the nugget does not lose its unusual color, but turns into glass balls.
Some charoites are radioactive, as they contain impurities of thorium. The high content of this element makes such a stone hazardous to health.
Stone types
Mineralogy has more than 100 types of charoite. Each of them differs in shade, pattern, which are created by impurities of other minerals. From the whole variety, a dozen main types are distinguished.
vein-spotted
The most common variety of charoite. On the lilac background of the nugget, pale green and golden yellow small spots appear.
Rosette-shaped
This subspecies differs from the usual charoite in its structural structure. The fibers in this case are replaced by rosettes of scales and leaves. The shades of the gem fluctuate between lilac and violet, and the surface of the stone casts mother-of-pearl.
Shaly
Purple variety. The surface of such a mineral is endowed with a light mother-of-pearl luster. This type of charoite is used as an ornamental stone.
Radiant
A stone with a small content of impurities of other minerals. The structure of the nugget is a mixture of paniculate and sheaf-like aggregates.
spotted radiant
This species is the most colorful. The rich purple background creates the right contrast for the black blotches of aegirine, golden tinaxite impurities and green-gray feldspar flecks. The structure of such a stone is fibrous.
Needle
Aegirine accompanies this variety of charoite, creating bizarre needle-like shapes. This gem is used by craftsmen for crafts.
Lilac charoite-asbestos
A particularly interesting subspecies with a wavy-fibrous structure. Jewelers especially revere this mineral, which, in terms of decorative qualities, is compared with a hawk's eye.
"Drain" homogeneous
A stone of uniform color, lilac-gray or dark purple. A distinctive feature is a dense structural addition.
serrated
Spotted mineral, which is divided into 4 more varieties. Each subspecies is distinguishable by color, spot size.
Shestovaty
Lilac gem with a bright pearly sheen. The structure of the mineral is parallel columnar, consisting of large aggregates.
In addition to color and structural distinguishability, the mineral is divided into varieties:
- Extra. A jewelry gem used to create jewelry. Such a stone is distinguished by the clarity of the pattern, the absence of impurities. Extra-class minerals are always translucent, the internal structure is easily visible in them.
- I grade. Ornamental stone, which is used for the manufacture of beads, bracelets. This variety of gem is endowed with a slight sheen, similarity of layers, and the content of impurities in the composition does not exceed 5%. The pattern of such a mineral is fuzzy.
- II grade. Bracelets and beads, as well as other decorative items, are made from this ornamental variety. Such a stone does not have a clear pattern, it does not particularly shine, and the shade of the mineral is slightly “dirty” due to impurities, which are about 15%.
- III grade. Facing. Used for the manufacture of tiles, mosaics. The content of impurities for this variety reaches 25%.
Interestingly, the first "fruits" of the work of the masters were vases that aroused international interest. At that time, the gem was not yet called charoite, although it charmed many hearts. Today, such products are sold only at world auctions, where the price of a vase 30 cm high reaches, on average, 14 thousand US dollars.
Healing properties
The mineral became known to people only 40 years ago, but lithotherapy has already known the healing capabilities of charoite. In addition to the fact that the purple hue itself has a healing effect on the human nervous system, the gem helps fight diseases of various organs of our body. The power of charoite has a beneficial effect on health problems such as:
- malfunctions of the immune system - the nugget increases the body's defenses, strengthens memory;
- diseases of the genitourinary system, kidneys, including the dissolution of kidney stones;
- prostatitis;
- diseases of the liver, pancreas;
- osteochondrosis, sciatica;
- headache.
Charoite normalizes blood pressure, improves attention, neutralizes the harmful rays of a computer monitor and television screen. The mineral helps to heal wounds, splice bones.
Healers use gemstone beads for concussions, applying them to the patient's head. It is believed that charoite, applied to a problem area, draws out pain. Bracelets are recommended to be worn by people with various mental disorders, and the contemplation of the mineral contributes to overall peace of mind, stress relief, depression retreat.
Important! Charoite cannot be worn all the time. The first contact with the stone for medicinal purposes begins at 2 o'clock. In the absence of discomfort, the interaction time is gradually increased.
Some traditional healers are inclined to believe that the gem slows down the aging process of the body. For this, sessions of massage of acupuncture points are carried out, which are responsible for the condition of the skin and the body as a whole. Wearing a pendant with a mineral also helps fight aging.
The magic of the Siberian miracle
The magical properties of the mineral began to be studied by esotericists immediately after its discovery. In such a short time, it was possible to find out that charoite has a strong energy and a wide range of magical abilities.
The first and main direction in which the power of the gem acts is harmony. This applies to many areas - the inner world of a person, establishing communication with the environment, family relationships. Charoite gives the owner the opportunity to come to terms with his inner "I", endows with eloquence and the gift of persuasion to communicate with people, helps to meet love and save an already created family.
In addition to harmonizing itself and everything around, the mineral will surround the owner with a halo of strong protection from gossip and envy, as well as from more serious negativity - the evil eye, damage, energy vampires. Charoite develops intuitive feelings, helps to suppress outbursts of anger and aggression.
It is important! Charoite is endowed with the property of accumulating negative energy. Therefore, the mineral is recommended to be regularly cleaned for several minutes under running water, then drying in the sun and the gem will be like new (at the energy level).
The gem accompanies all purposeful individuals, helping to cope with the tasks, despite the obstacles. In addition, a nugget reveals hidden abilities in a person, helps to develop talents, and gives inspiration to people already engaged in creativity.
Zodiac Compatibility
Despite the recent discovery, astrologers have studied the mineral, establishing its relationship to different constellations of the zodiac circle.
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + + + |
| Taurus | + + + |
| Gemini | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + + + |
| Scorpio | + |
| Sagittarius | — |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + |
- Scales. For this sign, charoite is an ideal talisman. The stone has a special harmony with those representatives who were born at the junction of September and October. For them, the mineral will open all its magical abilities - it will give protection and harmony, develop intuition and reveal abilities.
- Aries. Representatives of this family will find peace, emotional calm, which will help Aries fight aggressiveness and anger.
- Taurus, as well as Sagittarius and Cancer, will not be able to create an energy tandem with charoite. The mineral is contraindicated for these signs.
The rest of the zodiac families, except for Sagittarius and Cancer, can safely wear a mineral. For each of the Zodiacs, the nugget will open in its own way.
Compatible with other stones
Charoite is patronized by two elements at once - Fire and Air. This complicates its proximity to other minerals. Astrologers believe that charoite is completely indifferent to any mineral, but it is better to wear jewelry with other stones on the other hand (when it comes to rings and bracelets) or not to wear at all.
The following stones are considered a good combination for charoite:
- turquoise;
- pearls;
- rose quartz;
- opal;
- jasper;
- zircon;
- amethyst.
Stones that do not match well:
- beryl;
- malachite;
- carnelian;
- capdoniks.
A neutral combination can be considered stones - aquamarine, jade and amber.
Jewelry with mineral and their price
Charoite is very fond of jewelers and not surprisingly. Processing and polishing the mineral is quite simple, and in the products the lilac stone looks elegant and aesthetically pleasing. Masters of jewelry art present to fashionistas all kinds of designs of massive and small jewelry - brooches, beads, pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings.
The price of the mineral, as well as products made from it, is high. This is due to the rarity, production limit, as well as the extraordinary beauty of the nugget. The price per kilogram of charoite starts from $30 for the lowest grade, reaching $700 for the most valuable and unique specimens.
Jewelry with charoite offered by jewelry stores varies in the following price ranges:
- Earrings - from 1700 euros for gold and 170-380 euros for silver.
- Rings. The cost of a silver item starts from 0 euros, and a gold item starts from 180 euros.
- The average price for beads is from 1000 euros.
- A silver pendant starts at 140 euros, while a rimless pendant starts at 250 euros.
It is worth noting that the price of the product depends on the type of stone. Jewels made of gold adorn cabochons of the “extra” variety, often complementing the design with diamonds, so the cost of such a miracle of jewelry art is appropriate.
Other uses of stone
Charoite is widely used to create various decorative elements: caskets, clocks, figurines, floor vases, writing instruments, sports cups and other souvenir products. A facing-decorative type mineral is used to create a mosaic panel.
How to distinguish a real charoite from a fake
Charoite is an extraordinary gem with the only deposit on the planet. It is difficult to extract the breed, but it is impossible to grow it artificially. Therefore, on the market there are all kinds of plastic, ceramics or glass, painted in the appropriate shade.
Often, it is easy to distinguish a low-grade imitation from a natural nugget, but sometimes there are top-class fakes, the origin of which can only be determined by a specialist. You can distinguish a fake on your own by carefully looking at the structure of the stone - a natural creation of nature contains impurities of other minerals, small cracks that create a unique pattern.
In addition, natural charoite will be cool to the touch, not heating up from prolonged contact with the warm skin of the hands, while plastic will become warm. Do not forget about safe shopping in jewelry stores that provide quality certificates for the jewelry offered.
How to wear and care
For the complete harmony of a person with a mineral, it is necessary, first of all, to choose a good day to buy a gem. As for charoite, the best time to purchase will be the 16th lunar day. In addition, the stone should be liked, beckoned to itself in order to ensure a successful alliance with the owner in the future.
The best setting for charoite is gold or silver. It is customary to wear a ring with a mineral on the ring finger, preferably on the right hand. It is not worth supplementing the image with other gems - a magnificent soloist enchants.
Nugget products should be stored separately, protected from shock, otherwise cracks or scratches will appear. Clean the stone with warm water, then wipe it with a soft cloth. It is impossible to use any detergents, especially alkaline ones - the mineral will lose its luster and attractiveness.
Charoite was an accidental and completely amazing discovery of science. The lilac miracle of the far north, hidden by the cover of the taiga, gives a person aesthetic and emotional peace. Whether such a treasure will ever be discovered again is unknown. In the meantime, it is worth protecting what nature has decided to reveal to us after millions of years.
