CHAROITE GEMSTONE meaning and Spiritual properties
You're not alone if this is your first time hearing about the charoite gemstone. 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 color and patterning breathtaking seems like 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, coloring, uses, and charoite metaphysical properties.
Charoite Properties
Technically, charoite isn't a gem. Instead, it's classified as a mineral, 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 luster 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. At times, other stones are dyed in an attempt 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
The charoite stone color is a distinct purple. The exact hue in a piece of charoite can vary. In some cases, 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. The strands appear like a white crystal in most cases, though they may also lean slightly gray.
The History of Charoite
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 coloring and the stone's ability to be beautifully polished made it popular for jewelry, stone inlays, veneers, and similar aesthetic purposes.
It's a favorite with lapidaries looking for a unique color 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 potentially 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 essentially controls how much is mined and how much actually makes its way out of the country. As a result, charoite can be more costly than many other stones.
Charoite Jewelry
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 color 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 favored for charoite rings, charoite pendants, and even charoite 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 versions of the stone, as the polishing process helps the charoite crystal's color shine.
CHAROITE MEANING& Healing Properties
As with most stones, the charoite 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 coloring. 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 and intuition and to connect with higher states of consciousness. Charoite is also believed to allow one to develop their 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 to promote feelings of peace and calm.
Some believe Charoite to have protective properties, particularly against negative 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 in doing so.
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 is a purple-pink gemstone often used in spiritual and metaphysical practices. It has a similar color 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 color to charoite and is believed to help with emotional balance and spiritual growth.
At times, a piece of purple agate or fluorite may also look a bit 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, if your goal is to find something with similar purple color, the options above may work.