Black and Purple Charoite Crystal Stone Jewelry Pendant

Reference id: KeXAhq9KrcE 10478

Pendant of black and purple charoite crystal stone in a vintage styled, 925 stamped silver overlay setting.

Measures 2.5 inches tall/long, 1.25 inch wide.

History Of Charoite
There is also a mineral called "charoite"--but that is not what the gemstone trade refers to by this name. Instead, it is a rock--much like lapis lazuli.

Originally thought to have been discovered in Russia in the 1940s, charoite was not described until the late 1970s, when its beauty was finally recognized. Sources disagree whether this striking purple rock was named for the regions Chara River or for the Russian word chary (meaning "charms" or "magic").


Metaphysical Properties
While new to the commercial market, charoite and similar materials have been used locally for healing and ceremonial purposes. Mongols created ornamental objects using the richly purple stone, and commonly boiled a stone into their tea water. They believed doing so would strengthen family ties.

Sometimes called a "stone of transformation," charoite is thought to aid the transformation of negative emotions into positive ones. It is believed to encourage inner strength, assertiveness, creativity and self-esteem.

While it is not a birthstone, it is affiliated with the astrological signs Sagittarius and Scorpio. Charoite is thought to be useful for the crown, third eye and solar plexus chakras.

The black spots on some specimens are augite - aegirine, the latter occurring in almost all charoites since they commonly grow together. Larger round greenish spots are feldspar. Lighter colored stones or ones with translucent areas are likely due to canasite. The mix of other minerals in charoite rocks can include prismatic orange crystals of tinaksite, pale greenish gray microcline, and greenish black crystals of aegerine-augite. Patterns of these colors, as well as white, may occur.

Geological Properties
Charoite was formed when a syenite of the Murunskii Massif impacted into some chemically complex limestone deposits. It is a complex mix of materials, giving it a fibrous or spotted appearance. This patterning--along with its intense color--has occasionally lead new observers to conclude it is a manufactured or lab-grown material.

Charoite is opaque when first uncovered; its beauty was revealed much later than its original discovery. After cutting and polishing, charoite has mixed translucency, with a vitreous or silky luster in lush purples. Some specimens display chatoyancy. For these reasons, it is most commonly cut into cabochons and smooth beads. The complexity of patterns also makes matching pairs (for earrings, etc.) both uncommon and desirable.

The only deposit of this unique material is in Russia, limiting supply.

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions.