Charoite, popularly known as the lilac stone, is a rarely found hydrogen-rich silicate mineral consisting of potassium, barium, calcium strontium, and sodium. The trade name of this stone is charoite jade. It was named in 1978. Its name is derived from the Russian word “chary,” which means magic or charms. When it was first discovered, it was believed to be a fake gem dyed purple to give it a striking appearance. It is mined only in Siberia, Russia. Charoite’s color ranges from translucent lavender to purple, possessing a pearly luster. Due to its unusual swirling, fibrous appearance and intense color, most people think that charoite is a synthetic or artificially enhanced gemstone – it is not. The inclusions of this gemstone are mainly due to the swirly patterns of the mineral.
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