Charoite Sphere

Charoite is an extremely rare stone found only in Siberia, Russia – and there, only in the Republic of Sakha (also known as Yakutia). It is a silicate mineral, meaning that it is composed of silicate groups containing silicon and oxygen atoms.

Although reasonably tough with a hardness between 5 and 6, charoites make poor ring stones. However, most other jewelry uses are safe. Due to the material's heat sensitivity and fair to good cleavage, avoid mechanical cleaning such as steam or ultrasonic processes

It has a barely detectable, 0.65% radioactivity concentration per Gamma Ray American Petroleum Institute Units. Inclusions mainly come in the swirly patterns of the mineral.

Charoite K ₂Si ₄O ₁₀•H ₂O is a rare silicate mineral, first described in 1978. It was believed to be named after the Chara River, but due to the river being 70 km away from its discovery place, now it is believed to be named after the Russian word chary, meaning magic or charms. 

Hardness: between 5 and 6 gemsociety.org

Color: Violet, lilac, light brown

Streak: White

Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Cleavage: Good in three directions

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Fracture: Conchoidal