Charoite
Last updated: April 2026
A rare complex silicate mineral found only at the Murun Massif in Siberia. Named for the Chara River. The swirling purple fibrous pattern with orange tinaksite and black aegirine inclusions is unique in the mineral kingdom — no other stone resembles it. All charoite is ornamental-grade massive material.
Charoite has a specific gravity of 2.60 and a refractive index of 1.550–1.559, with a Mohs hardness of 5.0–6.0. It is aggregate.
Physical & Optical Properties
Key Differentiators
- Unique fibrous swirling lavender-purple texture with orange (tinaksite) and black (aegirine) inclusions
- Single world locality — Murun Massif, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Siberia, Russia
- RI 1.550–1.559 lower than sugilite (1.607–1.610); SG 2.54–2.68 lighter than sugilite
- Distinctive chatoyant silky luster from fibrous crystal habit
- Orange and black mineral inclusions visible under loupe are indicative
Common Simulants
- Sugilite: Sugilite is more uniformly purple without fibrous swirling texture; RI 1.607–1.610 (higher); SG 2.74–2.80 (heavier); lacks orange tinaksite and black aegirine.
- Purple Jasper: Purple jasper lacks the fibrous swirling texture and orange/black inclusions of charoite; SG ~2.65; typically more opaque with duller luster.
- Dyed Purple Howlite: Dyed howlite: acetone removes purple dye; SG ~2.53; hardness only 3.5; strong LW blue fluorescence in undyed areas; no fibrous structure.
Treatments
- Wax or Surface Coating (polish enhancement)
Price Context
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a charoite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try GemID Free →Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Charoite is one of the 130 species in GemID’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
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