THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Charoite
Purple charoite-rich rock, often sold as charoite or charoitite.
Colors & patterns
Lavender to deep purple swirls with white, black or orange areas.
Typical origins
Associated with the Murun massif in Siberia, Russia.
Hardness
About 5–6
Choosing & setting this material
Fibrous-looking patterns create movement across a dome. Use a protective bezel and ask about any impregnation or stabilization.
Care & cleaning
Clean gently with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, especially when treatments are unknown.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments