Charoite - the only Russian Rock and Mineral

Charoite - the only Russian mineral and rock

Charoite is found in only one part of the world: the Chara River area of Siberia. It was first discovered in 1947, but it was
not known in the west until 1978. There is a deep appropriateness to charoite's origins, for it deals with an internal exile,
that of fear. When we're afraid we separate ourselves from a full appreciation of life, from the complete expression of our
creativity. Most of all, we prevent ourselves from realizing all that we are spiritual beings. Charoite's appearance also tells
us about its gifts to us. It is a purple stone with black and white patterns. Purple is a sixth-chakra color, and the sixth
chakra is where many of our limiting mental programs, including our fears, are stored. The color purple, among its other
roles, helps to bring us closer to spirit
by showing us that everything, even the thoughts we hold as true, can be dissolved and replaced with more empowering
energies. The color black in this stone grounds the purple ray, and enables us to explore the nature of our fears; while
white represents the connection to spirit. It has been said that if we are not completely manifesting our potential as human
beings fear is in some way stopping us. Look for those areas in which you feel
limited, and you will find a fear which blocks you. Charoite will help to bring these fears to the surface. It helps to make this
process easier by also giving you a boost of courage and commitment to dissolve fear patterns. if you choose to meditate
with this stone it's often a good idea to allow time afterwards to contemplate what you've
learned. Another way to work with charoite is to put it beneath your pillow, especially if you are prone to disturbed sleep or
fears which surface in dreams. In combination with amethyst, it will help to release these fears.
*****The Mineral CHAROITE
Chemistry: K(Na, Ca)11(Ba, Sr)Si18O46(OH, F)-nH2O, Hydrated Potassium
Sodium Calcium Barium Strontium Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride.
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Inosilicates
Uses: an ornamental stone and also as gemstones.
Specimens
Charoite is an unsual mineral and of rare occurence. It is found to date in only one location: along the Chary River at
Aldan in Russia. It formed from alteration of limestones by the close presences of an alkali-rich nephline syenite intrusion.
The heat, pressure and more importantly, the infusion of unique chemicals into the rock is responsible
for the transformations into new minerals such as charoite. Why charoite has not been found in other locations is not fully
understood. But it is probably due to a combination of a chemically unique limestone reacting with a chemically unique
intrusion and subjected to unique physical conditions. Charoite is used as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone. It
forms a swirling pattern of interlocking crystals. The color of charoite is described as a stunning lavender, lilac, violet
and/or purple. All can be used as all are probably present in every swirling example. The look of charoite is unlike any
other mineral and can't be mistaken. It has the appearance of purple marble, but really defies description. Its popularity
would probably be much greater if not for its "synthetic" character. It simply looks unnaturally beautiful.
****PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is white, lavender, lilac, violet and/or purple.
Luster vitreous to pearly.
Transparency transparent to translucent.
Crystal System: monoclinic
Crystal Habit is of fibrous interlocking crystal masses.
Cleavage is not observed since it is exclusively massive.
Fracture conchoidal.
Hardness 5
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.5 - 2.8 (average)
Streak is pale purple.
Notable Occurrence is solely the Chary River at Aldan in Russia.
Best Field Indicators are color, locality and habit
*****Mystical power:
Charoite is said to be useful for the cleansing and purification
of one's energy body as well as for the transmutation of negative energies within oneself. Charoite transmutes negativity
and cleanses the aura. Charoite facilitates the release of fear and dissolution of negative energies encountered in the
process of aligning with your soul's purpose. Work with Charoite to foster a synthesis between the heart and crown
chakra, walk your spiritual path with awareness, and manifest your soul's wisdom and light in daily life. The purple color of
Charoite, among its other roles, helps to bring us closer to spirit by showing us that everything, even the thoughts we hold
as true, can be dissolved and replaced with more empowering energies.
The color black in this stone grounds the purple ray, and enables us to explore the nature of our fears; while white
represents the connection to spirit.
*****Rare-earth minerals.
Charoite-consisting rocks contains rare-earth minerals groups:
a) rare and unique minerals, encountered to present day only in very charoitites. They are charoite, tokkoite,
frankamenite, murunskite.
b) extremely rare minerals, found in charoitites and in concomitant rocks, sometimes not concerned directly with
charoitites: tinaksite, fedorite, agrellite, deliite, davanite, potassic batisite, stisiite.
c) less rare minerals group, encountered as in charoitites, as in other rocks. This group includes miserite, pectolite,
apophyllite, bentonite, and ore minerals: jerfisherite idaite.
Rare-earth minerals content in charoite-consisting rocks in some cases may go up to 90%.
Presence of these minerals in charoite is of interest of private collectors, museums, institutes, etc.