Stones Needing a Home:

 

[Charoite Varieties]

***CHAROITE (pronounced shar'-oh-ite) Charoite comes from the Ural mountains along the Charo river in Russia, it's only known source. There is very little detailed information available on this exotic new gemstone. Discovered in 1978, it is a complicated silicate with a hardness of 5 to 6 (Moh's Scale). The color is described as gorgeous lavender, lilac and violet swirled with patterns of white with small patches of translucent feldspar and black. The luster is vitreous to waxy, and it is fairly tough due to it's structure of interlocking crystals. Charoite was first used as a decorative inlay or trim stone before being introduced into jewelry.

****IMPORTANT NEWS: There are rummors coming out of Russia that the mines that have been producing this gemstone over the past couple of decades have run dry. Since these mines are the only known source for the material, this means that no new stones are entering the market. Very shortly, we may see a dramatinc increase in the price of this gem material as collectors from all over the world begin to buy up the remaining stock. You might want to get your hands on a couple of nice pieces while you can. Having them made into family herlooms is a great way to preserve this rare gem material.


Nice Rich Hand Cut Charoite Cab
$20.00


25x18 Rich Charoite Cab
*The picture does not quite do it justice.
$25.00


25x18 Rich Charoite Cab
*The picture does not quite do it justice.
$25.00


Examples of 18x13mm Charoite Cabs. As you can see, the color of Charoite has character and can range from a light lavendar to a deep purple mixed with black. I probably have about 50 stones in stock, so tell me what you like and I will pick the best stone for you. :)
$10.00ea