Charoite Blocks

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 of the Charoite Blocks depends on the quality of the block. The Blocks in the photo have all been sold. I have lower quality blocks that would be best suited for carving, starting at $12.00 per pound.