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Charoite Gemstone Information - Fierce Lynx Designs

CHAROITE GEMSTONE meaning and Spiritual properties

If this is your first time hearing about the charoite gemstone, you're not alone. While the charoite stone is incredibly beautiful, it's fairly rare. As a result, even some gem enthusiasts aren't aware of it.

However, once you see your first piece of charoite, it's a stone you'll never forget. Calling its colour and patterning breathtaking seems an understatement, and its unique look helps it stand out from other gems.

Here's what you need to know if you're curious about charoite – including its composition, colouring, uses, and charoite metaphysical properties.

Charoite Properties

raw charoite

Technically, charoite isn't a gem. Instead, it's classified as a silicate mineral, to be precise.

One interesting point about charoite is that its makeup is highly complex, so much so that experts can debate its actual chemical composition. The main challenge is finding large, well-formed specimens for analysis. Another is that charoite tends to be interwoven with other minerals when it forms, making it hard to separate the mineral charoite from the other stones.

Charoite tends to be only somewhat transparent. However, it easily accepts a polish, allowing it to have a lovely lustre that's slightly pearly or silky. There can even be a cat's eye effect caused by various inclusions typically found in charoite, an optical phenomenon known as chatoyance.

It's also important to note that fake Charoite is incredibly prevalent. For example, a version of fluorite is often marketed as charoite, even though it isn't the real deal. Sometimes, other stones are dyed to match charoite's look, creating another source of fake charoite.

Mainly, fakes hit the market because charoite is relatively rare and can command a decent price tag, giving less scrupulous people or companies an incentive to market a less valuable stone as charoite.

Charoite Stone Color

Purple Charoite

The charoite stone colour is a distinct purple. The exact hue of a piece of charoite crystal can vary. Sometimes, the purple stone is a light lilac; in others, it's a deep violet or even a dark eggplant, plum, or indigo.

Most pieces of charoite also feature striations. In most cases, the strands appear like a white crystal, though they may also have translucent areas that lean slightly gray.

The History of Charoite

The swirling patterns of charoite make it feel magical

One point of debate with Charoite is the origin of the stone's name. Some believe it was named after the Chara River in Russia, as charoite deposits are found nearby. Others think the name is derived from the Russian word “chary,” which means “magic” or “charm,” a reference to the impression it leaves on people who see the polished stone for the first time.

By and large, charoite's history focuses on its use as an ornamental stone. The standout colouring and the stone's ability to be beautifully polished made it popular for jewelry, stone inlays, veneers, and similar aesthetic purposes.

It's a favourite with lapidaries looking for a top gem material, unique colour and striking pattern for a creation. While high-quality pieces usually become charoite jewelry, some are turned into small sculptures or items, like spheres or vases.

Additionally, charoite is fairly rare. As a result, using it for industrial reasons isn't plausible, even if it had properties that would make that possible.

Where Is Charoite Found?

Usually, charoite is formed in metasomatic rocks. Generally speaking, large quantities of charoite are only found in Eastern Russia.

The highly limited number of sources means that charoite isn't just rare to find but also rare in the market. Russia controls how much is mined and how much makes its way out of the country. As a result, charoite can be more costly than many other stones.

Charoite Jewelry

charoite beads for jewelry making

While charoite isn't as well known as many other gemstones, jewelry options are still relatively plentiful. You won't generally find charoite in chain jewelry stores. However, the colour is so incredibly striking that it's ideal for ornamental purposes, causing many independent designers to enjoy working with the gem. Additionally, the stone is tough enough to stand up to wear, making it a solid choice for a variety of jewelry pieces.

For charoite jewelry, you typically won't find faceted stones. Instead, the charoite cabochon is much more popular. A cabochon is sometimes favoured for charoite rings, charoite pendants, and even charoite earrings.

Charoite pendants for earrings

You can also find charoite beads, both fully rounded or as tumbled stones drilled for stringing. For example, charoite bracelets usually include beads over another form of the gemstone.

At times, you may come across charoite jewelry pieces featuring raw charoite. However, this is far less common than polished stone versions, as polishing charoite helps the charoite crystal's colour shine.

Shop Charoite Jewelry

CHAROITE MEANING& Healing Properties

charoite helps with the heart chakra, third eye and crown chakras

Like most stones, the charoite's meaning varies depending on a person's belief system.

For some, the charoite meaning focuses on specific chakras. It is most strongly associated with the crown chakra due to its colouring. However, some see a relationship with it to the heart or third eye chakra.

Regarding the metaphysical properties of charoite, some believe it serves as a stone of transformation and spiritual growth. It is said to help one access their inner wisdom, deep insight and intuition and connect with higher consciousness states. Charoite is also believed to allow one to develop psychic abilities and spiritual gifts.

Charoite is believed to help with emotional healing, particularly in the areas of fear, anxiety, and stress. It is said to help one release negative emotions and patterns and promote peace and calm.

charoite stones

Some believe Charoite to have protective properties, particularly against negative energy energies and psychic attacks. It is said to help one maintain a strong, energetic boundary and to shield against harmful influences.

Charoite is believed to enhance creativity and inspiration. It is said to help one access their imagination and to promote innovative thinking.

While some believe Charoite to have physical healing properties, particularly for the nervous system, liver, and pancreas and to help with detoxification and the elimination of toxins from the body, there is no proof that any stone can prevent, treat, or cure any health condition. If you have a medical issue, seeking care from a trained medical professional is necessary. However, if wearing, holding, or meditating on a stone improves your mood, there's usually no harm.

Stones similar to charoite

Overall, charoite is so unique that there aren't many natural stones with a strong resemblance to it. At times, pieces of purple jade may be of a similar hue, though it tends to lack the distinct patterning. The same can go for purple jasper.

sugilite looks similar to charoite

Sugilite is a purple-pink gemstone often used in spiritual and metaphysical practices. It has a similar colour to charoite and is believed to have similar healing properties, particularly for emotional healing and spiritual growth.

Lepidolite, or lilac stone, is a purple-pink gemstone often used for emotional healing and stress relief. It has a similar colour to charoite and is believed to help with emotional balance and spiritual growth.

Lepidolite is a similar purple stone

Sometimes, a piece of purple agate or fluorite may also look like charoite. However, the hue may not seem like a great match, and, again, the striations don't mimic charoite precisely.

Ultimately, charoite's uniqueness means there aren't many strong candidates for stand-in stones. However, the options above may work if you want to find something with a similar purple colour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charoite Stones

Why is Charoite So Expensive?

Charoite's price is influenced by its rarity and unique beauty. It's a relatively rare gemstone found only in one location in the world, which adds to its value. The distinct, vibrant purple colour with swirling patterns of charoite is highly sought after in the gemstone market. The stone's quality, including its colour intensity and pattern, also significantly determines its price.

Is Charoite a Rare Stone?

Yes, charoite is considered a rare stone. It is found exclusively in the Sakha Republic, Siberia, Russia, near the Chara River – where it gets its name. Its limited availability, combined with its unique and striking appearance, makes it a rare and special gemstone.

Can You Sleep with Charoite?

Many people believe in the metaphysical properties of crystals and gemstones. Charoite is a remarkable stone often associated with calming and soothing energies, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance sleep quality. It's believed to help overcome insomnia and achieve deep, peaceful sleep. However, these beliefs are based on crystal healing practices, not scientific evidence.

What Crystals Pair Well with Charoite?

Charoite can be paired with various crystals for different purposes. To enhance its calming effects, it pairs well with amethyst. For grounding, it can be combined with black tourmaline or smoky quartz. If you want to amplify its spiritual properties, pairing it with selenite or clear quartz can be beneficial. The choice of pairing depends on the intended purpose and personal preference.

Is Charoite Toxic?

Charoite is not toxic and is safe to handle and wear as jewelry. However, as with any gemstone, washing your hands after handling raw or unpolished stones is advisable. If charoite is to be cut or shaped, proper safety measures should be taken to avoid inhaling any dust, which can be harmful to the respiratory system.

Where is Charoite Found?

Charoite is exclusively found near the Chara River in the Sakha Republic, Siberia, Russia. This specific and singular location contributes to its rarity and value. The conditions in this region led to the formation of charoite's unique colour and patterns, making it a one-of-a-kind gemstone in the world of minerals.

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