mineral

Charoite

(K,Sr,Ba,Na)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)2]2[Si12O18(O,OH)6]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2(OH,F)4 · nH2O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Violet, lilac, or lavender with swirls of white/black; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic (fibrous); Specific Gravity: 2.54–2.58

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs)
Color: Violet, lilac, or lavender with swirls of white/black
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs); Color: Violet, lilac, or lavender with swirls of white/black; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic (fibrous); Specific Gravity: 2.54–2.58

Formation & geological history

Formed via metasomatism in an alkali syenite massif through the interaction of magma with limestone. Primarily associated with the Murunskii Massif in Yakutia, Russia.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as an ornamental gemstone for cabochons, carvings, beads, and high-end collector specimens.

Geological facts

Charoite is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, found in only one specific location in Siberia. It is named after the Chara River.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive swirling purple color and chatoyant fibrous appearance. It is exclusively found in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia.