Charoite: who suits, value and properties

Usually, when talking about ornamental stones, they mention their long past, shrouded in secrets and legends, noteworthy events. Charoite does not correspond to this scheme, if only because it was discovered in a prosaic twentieth century. But this does not make knowledge of the properties of this mineral less relevant.

Such a stone as charoite was first discovered in the area of ​​the Chara River. His discovery was largely an accident. It’s just that a geological survey was taking place in the appropriate area. Initially, the newly discovered mineral was conventionally called Cumington slate. Very soon, already in the early 1970s, a full description of the basic properties and characteristics of the mineral was compiled.

The first charoite deposit (the word means referring to the same river) was discovered in 1973. The stone is truly unique: elsewhere in the world the smallest primary deposits or placers were no longer found.. Specialists have not yet figured out the origin of the mineral. One version connects it with volcanic processes. Others indicate that charoite emerged from alkaline formulations.

Geological literature indicates that charoite was found in the southwest of the Aldan shield. Based on the existing administrative division, this is the intersection of the Irkutsk region with Yakutia. Due to poor familiarity with the geography of the area, many people think that there are two deposits. In fact, it is only one, and it is located on the watershed, located between the Chara and Tokko rivers. The total area of ​​deposits reaches 10 square meters. km

Although charoite is not a gem, it looks just fine. The bulk of the rocks in this deposit are charoite. They are painted in purple-violet tones. It is surprising that charoite was found in the Far North, so it was searched in extremely difficult conditions.

Studies in the Murun char, conducted by the expedition of V. Ditmar, were continued in 1959. But then the level of geological exploration equipment has already significantly changed, its material and technical base has grown. Instead of a group of people wading through wild forests and mountains, a large team of trained specialists went in search. The base point was the village, built in the middle of the forest, and it was supplemented by an airfield.

The geological party had at its disposal a laboratory of mineralogical surveys and a workshop for grinding, cutting samples. Such a complicated preparation (including transferring the scientific base to the place of searches) was due to the exceptional complexity of the mountain range. In addition to charoite, other unique minerals that were previously unknown were discovered in those places. Despite all efforts, the search was complicated and difficult. The work was carried out throughout the daylight hours, the professionals had to perform analyzes of 100% of the samples extremely quickly, otherwise the geologists would not be able to adjust their searches quickly enough.

The State Commission for New Minerals at first was not going to approve the discovery. Some of its representatives considered that physicists should first connect. This was necessary in order to precisely establish the properties of unit cells. But charoite has a thin aggregate structure. Physical methods of that time did not allow to properly study this mineral.

A whole year in a leading physical laboratory, they were diligently engaged in samples. And finally a verdict was issued - nothing could be done. Other specialists, mineralogists, took up the matter. They again went to the Murunsky massif and began to study the question of deposits in more detail.

The discoverers have already noticed (and their geological colleagues shared this opinion) that charoit is destined for a great decoration and jewelry future. The problem was different - no one had any idea how large the mineral deposits were, how much raw material could be counted on. In the process of research, it was possible to detect a mass of lumps lying on the surface. Also, field outlets made it possible to establish a number of outcrops of bedrock to the surface. As a result, it became clear that it makes sense to conduct a deeper search.

Curiously, it was originally planned to give the stone the name "kanasit". But industrial production and the subsequent sale of decorative products required a more harmonious name. After much discussion, the word "charoite" was finally proposed. Opponents of this objected, citing NATO that the Chara itself was more than 20 km away from the field. However, criticism was rejected.

It is also worth emphasizing that in the priority application sent to the international commission on new minerals, the stone was called charaite. In general, the application was approved, with the only amendment, so that the letter a is changed to the letter o. This was due to the fact that otherwise there would be an exact match with another natural stone in English transcription. It is curious that in a number of foreign reference publications the name of the river itself began to be spelled incorrectly. By that time, it was finally possible to conduct a study of unit cells.

But suddenly another problem arose - an application was received by an international commission from one of the American experts who claimed to discover an identical mineral in Yakutia. Formally, its name was completely different, but the chemical composition exactly coincided.I had to file a protest and enter the proceedings. As a result of the presentation of convincing evidence, it was possible to approve the priority application.

But his story did not end there. She goes on. The array where charoite was once found will provide the basis for the work of several generations of geologists. An extensive charoite family is growing steadily. And there is no doubt that researchers will be able to radically expand it in the coming decades.

In addition, if the mineral composition of the rocks has already been thoroughly studied, then their genesis also needs to be established. Without knowledge of the process of the origin of the mineral, it will not be possible to say for sure whether finds of analogues in other places are possible. Probably, chronic failures with their searches are due precisely to the fact that no one knows what exactly and how to look for. So far, the majority of professionals are inclined to conclude that charoite appears due to metasomatic processes.

Charoite products are valued primarily because of its rarity and unique beauty. Less often pay attention to the mechanical characteristics of the mineral. Attractive aesthetic properties are associated with:

• grace of processed samples;
• external shine;
• specific optical parameters;
• unique color;
• transparency of the stone;
• drawing (but a natural ornament can be seen only on opaque copies).

Charoite resistance is expressed in its various parameters. The stone is not only solid, but also resistant to moisture and aggressive substances. Charoite is very viscous and can retain its color for a long time. The stone is well processed and looks great in both large and small products. It is used in cabochon inserts and in a flat insert in brooches, pendants and rings.

But still, the cabochon is considered the best option. Charoite by people passionate about magical practices is considered a symbol of a stable and calm life. He is considered a suitable tool for those who want a measured life. In some sense, the heterogeneity of color symbolizes the opportunity to change the outlook on life.

It is also often mentioned that it activates intuitive properties and enhances the intellectual level. Mineral theoretically suits those who wish:

• overcome creative and life crises;
• to increase productivity;
• to find a way of life self-realization;
• find other people (for single people) or reinforce family and friendship unions;
• to avoid discouragement and loss of strength, emotional exhaustion;
• add harmony;
• cope with stress, insomnia;
• protect yourself from apartment and street thieves;
• get rid of bad habits of various kinds.

Experts in the field of extrasensory perception often say that the "magic parameters" of a charoite will grow if it is inserted into silver or even simply hung from a silver chain. But the gold frame is not recommended for use. Inowhere it is claimed that charoite jewelry is indispensable for hypertensive patients, for those suffering from nervous disorders. It is often mentioned that small charoite balls should be clamped and rolled carefully in the palms.

As if it helps to get rid of stress and helps to become calmer. If you wear stones in the form of rings or bracelets, then this is considered a means to lower blood pressure and for muscle relaxation. A polished charoite pyramid can be used to be worn at the level of the kidneys, liver, or pancreas. In this case, the danger of colic and other violations is supposedly reduced.

Mystics and psychics cannot yet agree among themselves what other properties and parameters are attributed to charoite. What is absolutely accurate in their opinions is that faceted and unprocessed stones have approximately the same properties. According to experts in these areas, charoite is compatible with people with a creative plan. He helps them reduce unjustified mood swings and find themselves. For some not entirely clear reason, an exotic stone is advised to be worn by creators on their right hand.

Introverts are not recommended to buy charoite. It is not suitable for people with a phlegmatic or melancholic temperament. It is recommended to buy a stone for Aquarius and Gemini, but especially praise it for Libra. Charoite goes well with turquoise, with pink quartz, with jasper and amethyst.

According to the norms established by the regional government, it is forbidden to export over 100 tons of charoite per year from Yakutia. Since real demand is clearly higher, even taking into account export from Irkutsk, the market value of the product is very high. Elsewhere, as already mentioned, charoite is not mined in Russia or in other regions of the world. In other places, sometimes they only produce externally similar raw materials.

The final price is directly affected by the shade of the product. Even in the case of rough stone, the cost of 1 kg can be from 30 to 150 dollars. At the same time, in its processed form, the mineral appreciably rises in price. The purchase of rings or earrings for 25-30 dollars has become quite commonplace. Beads are even more expensive - for $ 5 per gram.

If you want to buy a table clock in a shell made of charoite, you should not count on a price of less than $ 1,000. Anything cheaper is fake. The most expensive product is vases. At a height of 0.3 m, they will have to pay 1-16 thousand conventional units at foreign auctions.

Charoite is a mineral that is part of a branched group of chain silicates. It is characterized by the complexity of the chemical composition. In a laboratory analysis of the stone, the presence of:

• barium;
• rare earth components;
• strontium.

The unusual lilac color of the stones is due to the presence of manganese. Thanks to the many fine fibers, the treated charoite is iridescent with specific patterns. Their tonality is almost unbelievable. More than 100 subspecies of charoite are known. For the convenience of classification, they are assigned to several main groups.

Only the highest quality stones used in jewelry are included in the Extra category. Such minerals are characterized by an exceptionally elegant luster; patterns are formed in the form of clear lines. The presence of any inclusions is completely ruled out. Ornamental stones and raw materials for jewelry fall into the first grade. Mineral does not shine too much, all layers are colored the same or almost the same.

Second-rate charoite is used only in ornamental products. It almost does not shine and may contain 16% of foreign substances. The third grade (charoitite) includes up to ¼ of unnecessary components. It is used for decorative cladding in the form of finishing plates. According to the physical characteristics, charoite is very close to jade.

But only it has not green, but purple, light lilac colors; there may also be all intermediate shades. Large charoite is extremely rare. The specific gravity is from 2.54 to 2.59. The stone may be fully or partially opaque. Its hardness is from 6 to 7 points on a conventional scale. A good combination for charoite are turquoise, pearls, rose quartz, opal, jasper, zircon, amethyst.Stones that go poorly with it are beryl, malachite, carnelian, sardonyx.

Some charoite samples are characterized by increased radioactivity. This is due to the presence of thorium impurities. Normally, all copies transferred to the jewelry and decoration industries are subject to instrumentation measurements. If charoite is painted in a lilac tone, then this indicates the presence of manganese. If the stone contains manganese-iron compounds, then a pink or cherry color is obtained.

A beautiful brown-honey tint is created by ferric iron. Radiant patterns look best. A similar appearance means that there are almost no impurities inside. The "landscape" structure is named for characteristic plots. Stones with such a surface form part of the collection of the Far Eastern Geological Museum.

Speaking about the significance for man, one cannot ignore those popular mythological representations that surround charoite. So, astrologers claim that the mineral is useful to Libra. Their use of stone will make them more confident and speed up the adoption of the required decisions. It will also be possible to get a fair amount of energy.

To lonely Libra, stargazers recommend a stone as a means of establishing contacts, increasing confidence. Aquarius, according to the same astrologers, can count on such a useful charoite property as compensation for excessive emotionality and suppression of eccentricity. For this zodiac sign they promise even greater determination and addiction to responsibility.

Twins are often told that charoite will facilitate the comprehension of their inner essence and the coming to spiritual harmony. Based on the recommendations of most astrologers, it is worth pointing out that they do not recommend stone to Taurus and Scorpions. However, there are so many traditions and trends in this craft that it is simply impossible to understand. Fans of the mystical and mysterious can also take into account recommendations for media names. Mineral can give:

• Elizabeth - protection from extraneous temptations, additional gentleness of character;
• Lydia - a guarantee of spiritual purity and deep wisdom;
• Ruslanam - protection from ill-conceived steps;
• Borisam - health promotion and extra luck.

An important role in the assessment of charoite is played by its color. The violet tone is considered suitable for people prone to philosophizing and thinking in general. It is also recommended for those who value calm and solitude. Charoite managed in a short period of his use to become a symbol of home comfort and family hearth. Of the other mystical and irrational properties noted:

• better knowledge of the situation;
• flexible response to "prompts" of the external environment;
• strengthening intuitive beginning;
• supporting the development of talents and abilities.

Some people claim that charoite also has healing properties. It is assumed that it removes mental stress and improves memory, strengthens the immune system. Also, this mineral is considered suitable for the fight against nervous fatigue, to support the vital functions of the body as a whole. It is also supposedly suitable in the fight against headaches, with high or low blood pressure.

Some recommendations indicate that charoite accelerates the healing of bone fractures. He is credited with the possibility of stabilizing the pancreas and intestines. To suppress local inflammation and pain, it is advised to apply a unique stone to the affected areas. It is advisable to wear charoite bracelets for those who suffer from mental and nervous disorders.

Often there is a situation when the charoite fell and split.Any blows to him are categorically unacceptable. Mineral should be washed only in warm water, where detergents are not added. Cleaning is carried out without abrasive substances.

The charm of the semi-precious ornamental stone made it very attractive in the manufacture of souvenirs. Caskets and key rings are made of charoite. Often you can see vases and other decorations for guest rooms. In Irkutsk, they plan to make a room entirely from this mineral. Preliminary calculations show that it will take (along with all accessories and furniture) up to 20,000 kg of gem.

You can find out about the properties of charoite stone by looking at the silent video below.