Charoite
| Colour | Purple, Brown |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5 - 6 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to pearly |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Translucent |
| Cleavage | Good in three directions |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 2.54 - 2.58 |
What is Charoite?
Charoite is a rare silicate mineral with the chemical composition K(Ca,Na)2Si4O10(OH,F)•H2O, first described in 1978. It is named after the Chara River, despite its being 70 kilometres (43 mi) away from the discovery place. When it was discovered, it was thought to be a fake, dyed purple to give it its striking appearance.
How to identify Charoite
- Lustre: Vitreous to pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 5 - 6 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Charoite in different forms
Stones often confused with Charoite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Charoite?
Charoite is Mohs 5 - 6 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Charoite?
Charoite is typically purple, brown (Violet, lilac, light brown).