Charoite is one of the world's rarest gem materials, found in just one place: near the Chara River in Siberia, Russia. It is a complex silicate mineral with an unforgettable look, swirls of lilac, violet and deep purple mixed with black and pearly white. Those swirls come from its fibrous crystal structure, which can give polished stones a silky, almost liquid sheen. It was only described as a new mineral in the 1970s, making it a genuine newcomer in the gem world.
Charoite sits at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, but its interlocking fibres make it tougher than that number suggests. It is cut as cabochons, beads and carvings, since faceting would hide the swirls that make it special. Pendants and earrings are ideal homes for it; save rings for occasional wear. Because it looks so distinctive, convincing fakes are rare, though dyed imitations exist. Genuine charoite shows silky, fibrous swirls rather than flat colour. Clean it gently with warm, soapy water.
Other beautiful purple gems: sugilite is the closest match in colour, though each has a very different structure.
