CHA-R-02 Origin: Russia Grade: A Dimensions: 05-10g - Approximately 15-20mm 10-20g - Approximately 20-30mm 20-30g - Approximately 30-40mm Origin: Russia Grade: A = good Tumbled Charoite Stone from Russia Sold individually. Weight options from 05-10g to 20-30g Shapes and colors vary from one stone to another. Charoite, pronounced "tcharoïte," was first discovered in 1947. There is no evidence of its existence before then: no legends, no myths, no objects found during archaeological excavations. It is clear: this stone is completely unknown. Moreover, it is found in only one place on earth, which is relatively rare. In 1978, Russian geologist Yuri Rogov identified it as a new mineral species. Yuri Rogov was then employed in uranium mining. He went to Paris to show this stone to his colleagues. Indeed, they worked at the Mineralogical Museum, considered to have the richest collection of minerals. Faced with the general ignorance about this stone, he decided to name it charoite in reference to the Chara River, which flows through a mountain range from which it originates. This mountain range is located in the Sakha Republic in Siberia and consists of peaks ranging from 800 to 1,000 meters in altitude. Chara means charm or magic in Russian. The beauty of this fine stone is remarkable. Its deposits are relatively rare, and this stone is difficult to find. More precisely, it can be discovered in the Aldan limestone massif, near Lake Baikal in Siberia. It should be noted that its deposits are very difficult to access, and mining this stone is complicated. The climatic conditions are harsh, and access roads are almost nonexistent. Temperatures range from -60°C in winter to +40°C in summer. Charoite belongs to the large group of silicates. It is mainly composed of complex hydrosilicate of potassium, calcium, sodium, barium, and strontium. It also contains materials such as iron, aluminum, and manganese. It is found only in the metasomatic rocks of the Aldan massif. It formed at temperatures of 200 to 250 degrees, in the presence of calcium and potassium. It has a monoclinic crystal system with a symmetrical axis. It has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it is a relatively fragile mineral. Charoite has a vitreous or pearly luster, with a beautiful purple hue, ranging from mauve to lilac, even purple or sometimes white. Collectors are numerous due to its rarity and magnificent beauty.