Charoite Slabs

Charoite is a purple material discovered in 1976 in the middle reaches of the Charo River (hence its name), Siberia, in the former USSR. It is a hydrous silicate of sodium, calcium and potassium. The black appearing needles and sprays are aegirine-augite. The occasional prismatic orange zones are tinaksite, a rare titanium sodium potassium silicate. Another mineral in the assemblage is microline feldspar in the shape of transparent circular pools. Charoite has an overall hardness of six. It takes a high polish and will produce spectacular stones of varied patterns if properly processed.

The Price for these slabs is $5.00 per ounce.