Charoite Gem Guide and Properties Chart

Charoite offers an intriguing, mystical array of patterns that are both eye-catching and mesmerizing. The patterns often exhibit a combination of swirls, veins and spots that give each piece a unique and magical appearance. The name Charoite is used to describe both a mineral and an attractive gem material primarily composed of charoite. The gem material comes from the remote, mountainous region of the Sakha Republic of Russia, which remains its only known source.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Charoite

Species

Charoite

Transparency

Semitranslucent - Opaque

Refractive Index

1.550-1.559
Tolerance:(+0.002/-0.002)

Birefringence

0.009

Optic Character

Biaxial

Optic Sign

Positive

Polariscope Reaction

Aggregate (AGG)

Fluorescence

SWUV: Inert to patchy weak red
LWUV: Inert to patchy weak red

Pleochroism

Unobservable

Hardness

5-6

Streak

White

Specific Gravity

2.540-2.780 Typical:2.680

Toughness

Fair

Inclusions

Charoite has a fibrous or flame-like appearance with swirls and spots of black, gray, white or brownish orange.

Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Fracture

Splintery, Granular

Cleavage

Good, in three directions

Chemical Name

hydrated potassium calcium sodium hydroxide fluoride

Chemical Formula

(K,Na)₅(Ca,Ba,Sr)₈(Si₆O₁₅)₂Si₄O₉(OH,F).₁₁H₂O

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Chemistry Classification

Rock

Charoite Colors

Purple
Purple
Purple

Countries of Origin

Russian Federation; Unknown; China; Zambia