Charoite – The Russian Beauty

Oh, how I love the “Russian Beauty” Charoite, let me count the ways. For I love Charoite’s lilac to deep violet coloring, its swirling surface movement, and its pearly luster. And last, but not least, I love its spiritually enhancing effect on my Crown Chakra. What’s not to love, right? Well, maybe the high price it fetches due to its rarity, quality, and that it only exists naturally in Siberia, Russian.

Charoite is a silicate mineral with a composition of mostly oxygen, silicon, and calcium. Additionally, it contains small percentages of potassium and hydrogen which give it slightly radioactive properties. And the small black spots on Charoite specimens are most often Aegirine inclusions.

Charoite is a member of the monoclinic crystal system and the prismatic crystal class. Charoite specimens run from translucent to opaque with a vitreous to pearly luster. And Charoite’s hardness registers 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Moreover, Charoite possesses the somewhat unique aspect of a chatoyant or “cat’s eye.” This is an optical phenomenon of a reflected moving band of light seen just below the surface of a crystal. Notably, Tiger’s Eye is another crystal known for its chatoyancy.

The History of the Russian Beauty Charoite

Although Charoite was first discovered in the Sakha Republic, Siberia Russia in the 1940s, it wasn’t widely known until 1978. Consequently, it’s fairly new to the crystal market as compared to other long known crystal varieties.

Charoite was first believed to be named for the Chara River. However, it’s now believed to be named for the Russian word “chary,” meaning magic charm.

Buyer Beware of Imitation Charoite

Imitation Charoite can be found in rock shops, jewelry stores, and all over the internet. Therefore, a buyer must practice due diligence to determine if they are purchasing authentic Charoite. First of all, if it isn’t claimed to come from Siberia, Russia, it’s a fake. For this is the only spot in the world Charoite has been found to date.

Is it Charoite or Sugilite?

Since Sugilite is another rare crystal that exhibits various shades of purple, it’s sometimes confused with Charoite. However, Sugilite is more lavender or pinkish purple, and Charoite is more lilac or blueish purple in color. Other tells are, Sugilite lacks the swirls and chatoyancy of Charoite.

Is Chinese Charoite a Real Thing?

The answer is unequivocally NO. For Charoite is only found in Siberia Russia. Thus, don’t be fooled by the Chinese Fluorite being passed off as “Chinese Charoite.” There is no such animal.

Altered Natural Charoite

Note that wax or epoxy treatments applied to raw natural Charoite should not be confused with altering other stones to imitate Charoite. These treatments stabilize Charoite pieces to prevent their crumbling with cutting and polishing. Infact, stabilizing treatments made to natural stones are common in creation of cabochons and beads for jewelry.

Additionally, natural Charoite pieces may be dyed to have an overall uniform color. Infact, I’ve come across lower quality Charoite beads dyed deep purple to resemble AAA quality Charoite. It’s safe to assume that high quality Charoite would be saved for jewelry cabochons and decorative pieces, rather than beads.

Then, there is also reconstituted Charoite on the market. This is a resin matrix of ground up pieces of natural Charoite to create a solid piece of Charoite. Reconstituted Charoite is sometimes inlaid into jewelry pieces.

Altering Other Stones to Imitate Charoite

Charoite may be faked by dying cheaper stones with banded surfaces, like the Chinese Fluorite mentioned above. To spot these fakes, always look for the signature swirls, pearly surface, and chatoyant of authentic Charoite.

Fake Plastic/Resin/Epoxy Charoite

These are imitation Charoite pieces 100% man-made in a mold with added purple color. However, these fakes are easier to spot than the altered stone fakes. For they will feel lighter in the hand than a natural stone. Another tell is the surface of these fakes are glassy, rather than pearly.

Healing Effects of Charoite on the Mind-Body-Spirit

Mental/Emotional Effects of Charoite: Due to its stimulating effect on the Pineal gland, Charoite helps with insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Moreover, Charoite is said to bridge the gap between the Heart and Mind. This is helpful for limiting overthinking and being too much “in the head.” Consequently, Charoite is helpful in relieving emotional stress, fears, and anxiety.

Physical Effects of Charoite: Due to Charoite’s calcium and silicon components it supports growth and firmness of bones and teeth. Additionally, Charoite regulates blood pressure and helps with headaches.

Spiritual Effects of Charoite: Because Charoite stimulates the Crown and 3rd Eye Chakras, it aids in connecting to innate intuition and spiritual wisdom. It also aids in receiving messages from Guides residing in the Spirit Realm. Furthermore, Charoite shields the user from negative energies.

Using the Russian Beauty Charoite

Jewelry – Charoite is beautiful when cut, polished, and set into silver pendants, earrings, and rings.

Meditation – Due to its effect on the Crown and 3rd Eye Chakras, when used in meditation, Charoite can enhance gaining spiritual insights and intuitive messages.

Dreamwork – Since Charoite stimulates the 3rd Eye Chakra, when laid under the pillow it enhances dreams and visions. And since it stimulates the Crown Chakra, it helps with insomnia and prevents nightmares.

Healing – Charoite laid or worn on the body is helpful for healing the above mentioned Mental/Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual issues. Charoite can also be used in crystal grids for healing work.

Decor – Charoite carved objects such as spheres, pyramids, and obelisks make for quite beautiful decorative displays around the home or upon an altar.

Where to Find the Russian Beauty Charoite

Despite the fact that Charoite comes from only one world source, its fairly easy to find. For it’s sold in New Age and Rock shops and on the internet. Remember to be careful not to buy a fake by looking for Charoite’s signature surface swirling movement, chatoyance, and pearly luster.

Final Words for Charoite the Russian Beauty

We are fortunate that the large crystal and gem show, Treasures of the Earth, visits Virginia Beach three times a year. And lately, I’ve enjoyed seeking out the show’s Russian vendors for their stunning selections of Charoite.

I hope you will consider adding a beautiful Charoite specimen to your crystal or jewelry collection. I know you will cherish it!

FYI: If you are interested in becoming a certified Crystal Therapist see my Crystal Therapist Certification Home Study Course on my energy healing school website Reiki Essence Institute.