![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) — mineral](https://media.rock.id/charoite-2b4ca938-e8a1-41d2-9280-cd70d1b272fa-compressed.jpg)
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
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
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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.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
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Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous