Charoite

Charoite is known in gem quality only from the Chara River area of the Murun Massif, northwest Aldan, Sakha Republic, Russia. It forms in potassium-feldspar metasomatic rocks at the contact between nepheline and aegirine syenites and limestones. Accompanying minerals can include orange tinaksite, pale greenish-gray microcline, greenish-black aegirine-augite and canasite.

Most charoite is recognisable by its swirling purple, white and dark patterns produced by interlocking fibrous crystals, sometimes with a slight chatoyant glow; rare, nearly pure purple pieces need testing to rule out imitations. GIA has documented two manufactured simulants with charoite-like colour, specific gravity and refractive index that hot-point testing showed contained significant plastic, one marketed as "Royal Russianite"; dyed massive beryl with quartz may also imitate it. There are no known synthetic charoites and no known enhancements. Names such as "charoite jade" are misleading: charoite is not jade.

Charoite is tough but, at hardness 5 to 6, scratches fairly easily, so protective settings are recommended for rings. Because it is heat-sensitive and has fair to good cleavage, avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaning; use a soft brush, mild detergent and warm water.

According to IGS, the "lilac stone" was first discovered in the 1940s in the Chara River area; it was described as a new mineral, charoite, by V. P. Rogova and co-authors in 1978 (IMA approval 1977), and in the 1970s it entered Western markets under that name. It is named for its type locality near the Chara River.

The Japanese retailer Pascle calls charoite one of the "world's three great healing stones" (with larimar and sugilite) and says it is believed to ease fear and anxiety; IGS likewise notes that metaphysically inclined enthusiasts attribute many healing and spiritual properties to it. These are beliefs, not tested properties.