Charoite

Charoite is a rare mineral found only in Russia. Charoite has a glorious purple color with the unique pattern of swirls, feathers and needles.   It is translucent lavender to purple in color reminding some of a granite or marble with its pearly, swirling luster. However, it is a discrete mineral rather than a rock. It has an unusual swirling, fibrous appearance, sometimes chatoyant, and that, along with its intense color, sometimes of a "grape" nature, can lead many to believe at first that it is synthetic or enhanced artificially.

Though reportedly discovered in the 1940s, it was not known to the outside world until its description in 1978. It is said to be opaque and unattractive when found in the field, a fact that may have contributed to its late recognition. Charoite is used as an ornamental stone and sometimes a gemstone, generally as cabochons set into pendants.

Russia has fairly strict prohibitions on the exportation of Charoite. Generally, Charoite is permitted to be exported only after the stone has been worked, for example, into figurines or other type ornaments. It is therefore difficult to procure "un-worked" or "rough" Charoite in a form suitable for further working into jewelry such as cabochons.

The Charoite deposit “Sirenevyi Kamen” has only been known for less than 30 years, and this is the only location in the world where this material was found.  It is located in the Murun Mountains in Yakutia, Russia.  It is only mined by hand and they only are able to work for about three months because of the heavy snow fall in the area. It is rare and you almost never see it anymore.

Charoite crystallizes in the form of masses and aggregates and as tiny drusy upon a host mineral.  It allows one to recognize, to integrate, and to understand those attributes exhibited on the physical plane which are thought to emit a negative vibration, hence, facilitating the acceptance of others, regardless of the development and or actualization level in which they appear.  It further assists one in the courage and stamina to avoid those situations which are known to be negative.  It enhances ones giving nature, opening the heart to allow one to see with love and to recognize the connection between all.  It is a bestower of good bringing forth the ultimate benefits in situations encountered.  Said to be a stone of magical qualities, it has been used to bring magic to one's life, such that one is more amendable to just letting it happen.