Charoite is a rare mineral, which is only ever found in the massive form. Its pattern of contrasting lavender, lilac, violet and purple swirls is extremely distinctive and is said by some to resemble a purple marble. In addition, the presence of impurities such as microcline feldspar (greenish-grey), tinaksite (orange), aegirine (dark green to black) and canasite (yellow) can add regions of a completely different color to the material.
The world’s only source of charoite was first discovered in the 1940s, during the construction of a rail tunnel close to eastern Siberia’s Chara River. However, it did not emerge as a significant ornamental material until it was officially described in 1978, with the delay blamed on the fact that it appears as somewhat dull and unremarkable prior to polishing.
Meaning of Charoite
Charoite is an incredible stone of the Violet Ray with an almost tangible movement of energy flowing in magnificent swirls and eddies of violet, lavender, and purple. It is rare and complex, one of nature’s best dream stones and illuminators, allowing access to lessons learned in past lives, healing emotional fears to live in the present, and opening to spiritual guidance for the future.
This stone embodies a unique synthesis between the Crown and Heart Chakras, bringing high spiritual energy into union with unconditional love from the physical plane, and grounding it here on Earth where it is needed most. It is a Stone for This Age, assisting in the here and now…conveying the message that one is exactly where one should be during this moment. It is a talisman of acceptance and letting go; a “bestower of good,” encouraging service to humanity, and for attaining approval of the Self.
Incredibly mesmerizing to look at, Charoite is a purple stone with iridescent swirls of glistening lavender. Known as a powerful healing stone, it is thought to convert negative emotions into positive actions. When we feel overwhelmed by the hardships of the world, Charoite can remind us that we are more powerful than we believe and inspire us to act with kindness and compassion.
Emotionally, Charoite is both a protective and an energizing stone for empaths and healers. It motivates us to channel our efforts toward enacting positive change and helping others while assisting us in setting healthy boundaries.
Charoite reminds us to preserve our energy to avoid emotional exhaustion and to not take on more than we can handle. Through teaching us that we are all connected, this stone reminds us that we cannot help others if we do not first take care of ourselves.
In addition to inspiring us to selflessly help others, Charoite is a remarkable stone for reflection. When we think of our past mistakes that still bring us guilt or pain, instead of punishing ourselves, Charoite challenges us to learn from our experiences without harsh judgment. This stone supports us as we ask ourselves, “How can I make things right, and how can I do better from now on?” Its strong humanitarian properties help us to keep a loving worldview close at heart and remember that our actions have a ripple effect.
Charoite is a stone of inner knowledge, harnessing energies and purifying the etheric body. Popular among healers and psychics, Charoite is thought to help one tolerate high-frequency vibrations and prevent psychic fatigue. Charoite draws on higher frequencies of the Earth’s energies, allowing it to be channeled into this realm through the beholder. In general, it assists the flow of energy through the body, removing blockages and preventing overstimulation.
While Charoite opens us to new energies, it also is considered an energetically protective stone, helping shield us from negative or disruptive forces. Charoite opens the mind to latent knowledge and activates Third Eye, nourishing intuition and predictive abilities. Charoite may seem like it is all about the conceptual, even ‘flightier’ side of healing, but it is also known for being powerfully grounding; Charoite helps us turn the ethereal realm into something we can grasp and utilize in this reality for practical, powerful change in our own lives and for the benefit of others.
History of Charoite
Discovered in the 1940s, Charoite was unknown to the outside world until 1978. Its name is derived from the Chara (or Charo) River in eastern Siberia, Russia, the only site in the world where it is found. The word “Chary” in Russian means “magic” or “charms.” The term “Charoite Jade” is a trade name for Charoite used in various applications as a decorative stone.
Charoite’s appearance was so magical in fact, that when it was first discovered, it was thought to be a fake – many thought it must be dyed to appear such a striking shade of purple. Also, it was challenging to determine Charoite’s specific, complex make-up and how it was possible that such a deposit exists in isolation. It took nearly 15 years, but Charoite’s status as a genuine and unique mineral was finally approved by the International Mineral Association in 1978.
Charoite is a complex silicate containing elements such as potassium, sodium, calcium, barium, strontium, oxygen, silicon, and hydrogen. It is often found with inclusions of microcline feldspar, aergirine-augite, and tinaksite. Its distinctive color, ranging from bright lavender and violet to deep purple, together with its unusual patterns makes it so unusual it is often mistaken for a synthetic. It is found in massive form in dense fibrous aggregates and may be translucent to opaque with a slight to moderate chatoyancy and a vitreous silky luster. It is relatively soft for use in rings or bracelets but works well in other jewelry. It is heat sensitive so steam cleaning and ultrasonic methods should be avoided.