Charoite is a very complex mineral. A unique and rare composition of potassium/sodium, calcium/barium and strontium, a hydrous silicate. It was formed in a unique geologic event, when limestone’s were altered by an intrusion of magmatic alkaline nephline syenites, which occurred over an area of only about four miles, along the Charo River in the east central Siberian wilderness. The mineral is 90% Charoite, with the other 10% being green aegirine, yellow tinaksite and green-white nepheline with scattered grains of quartz and ore minerals. Its striking purple color may be caused by traces of manganese, strontium and barium. It is this lovely purple that caused the stone to be sold at extravagantly high prices when first introduced to the western market in 1976. Sources differ about the year it was first found in the USSR, as early as 1947 or as late as the mid 1950′s. When work was done to extend the TransSiberian Railroad in the Murin Massif, more Charoite was discovered, in dikes and lens-like masses, along the Charo River Valley, in the Charo Region, about 325 miles NE of the northern tip of Lake Baikal.

It was first officially recognized as an independent mineral in 1978. This beautiful and intriguing, hypnotic violet or lilac stone, is used for ornamental carving, cabochons in jewelry and beads. Similar stones are Sugilite or lazulite.

Metaphysical Properties: Charoite is useful for cleansing and purifying the aura, and to transmute negative energy. A symbol of individuality, it can help one have the courage and determination to release fears, and move beyond previous limitations caused by them. It encourages self-exploration and new life plans, and helps one strive to fulfill dreams. It promotes restful sleep and, placed under the pillow, may bring pleasant dreams. It may be used to rekindle lost passion and intimacy in relationships. It stimulates unconditional love, and soothes the restless spirit.

Charoite helps one cope with times of major changes and transformations in life. It relieves stress and headache, and calms the nerves. It helps one relax, and to think clearly, to make decisions that are necessary for spiritual growth. A spiritual stone, it unites the crown, brow and heart Chakras, and stimulates the pineal gland to enhance psychic ability, clairvoyance and heart-felt intuition. A beautiful stone that helps bring magic and spiritual connection into our daily lives. It is a stone for inspiration and creative visions and dreams. Charoite allows for an angelic consciousness to help earth and her creatures make a transformational leap and are open to higher vibrations, new energies and ideas.

Chakras: Crown, Brow and Heart.

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Aragonite is a calcium carbonate mineral, which may contain traces of strontium, lead or zinc. A polymorph of calcite, it is found in a variety of environments. It occurs in low temperature hydrothermal veins or as deposits at Hot Springs and precipitates or evaporates from chemicals in sedimentary rocks. It is also found in the shells and skeletons of fossilized sea creatures. The colors are white, yellow or reddish brown, and sometimes pink or blue. The name “Aragonite” comes from the Molina de Aragon in Spain, where it was first found in 1788.

Aragonite occurs worldwide, but the best specimens are the reddish-brown pseudohexagonal crystals from Spain and Morocco, and the delicate white “Flos Ferri” or “flowers of iron” which are found in the Magdelena district of Socorro, New Mexico. The only Aragonite of gem quality for facetted stones was found in Horenec, in the Czech republic. Stalactitic masses occur in Arizona and Mexico. The “cave pearls” of Luray,Va. and other American caves are also Aragonite. Mexican onyx is actually Aragonite. The main deposits are near Tecali in the state of Pueblo. The attractive variegated color bands are caused by traces of iron and manganese oxides in the stone.

It is carved across these bands to produce a veined effect. It was used by the native peoples for masks, statuary and other objects. In the 15th century, Bernadino de Sahagun wrote of “iztec chalchihuitl”, a fine green and white translucent stone used for carving. In 1876, the stone was introduced to Europe, where it became very popular and sold for exorbitant prices. Near Pueblo, the natives still carve everything from crucifixes to stone fruit or paperweights from it. Pakistan onyx and alabaster are also Aragonite. The lovely lustrous nacre of pearls and the soft glowing mother of pearl are Aragonite formed by sea creatures from calcium in the water.

Metaphysical Properties: Aragonite’s six-sided crystal forms are good meditation stones. They symbolize the hexagram and the Star of David or Solomon’s Seal. The crystal clusters show us how the individual relates to the whole universe. They radiate outward from the center as a seed, or individual soul, that grows and manifests itself through life’s experiences. They remind us of our center, as new energies enter us or appear around us as life events. They represent our own spiritual and physical growth, from the “seed” of self and how it interacts with the world and life. A talisman to represent this center or “flower” of self, and how we grow in knowledge and strength through myriad life experiences. A good stone for family and companionship, it is also a calming stone which eases inner restlessness and nerves. It is a stabilizer and grounding stone, and aids emotional balance. A centering stone, it directs energy and self-discipline and helps one to persevere and move past old limitations and experience more of what life has to offer. It is also useful as a gem elixir.

Chakras: Root and Spleen.

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