Updated as of June 2026
Charoite
Found only near the Chara River in Siberia, this swirling purple stone is cut into cabochons and beads. Folklore ties it to transformation and inner peace.
Price range$10 to $80/ct
Hardness (Mohs)5.5
ColorsPurple, Lilac, Violet
BirthstoneNone
AltGems Score How we score
4.8/10
Charoite pros and cons
Pros
- Strong value for the look
- Usually sold untreated
Cons
- Softer at Mohs 5.5, best in protected settings
- Opaque, so it shows color rather than sparkle
Charoite is best kept for earrings, pendants, and protected settings rather than rough daily wear.
Explore Charoite
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestCharoite jewelry
Charoite ringsCharoite engagement ringsCharoite necklacesCharoite pendantsCharoite earringsCharoite bracelets
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Setting this softer stone (Mohs 5.5) in an exposed daily-wear ring instead of a protective bezel or halo.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Soft and best in protected settings. Clean with a damp soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, acids, and heat.
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Blue · Mohs 5.5Where to buy Charoite: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Charoite?
Found only near the Chara River in Siberia, this swirling purple stone is cut into cabochons and beads. Folklore ties it to transformation and inner peace. It rates 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in purple, lilac, violet.
How much does Charoite cost?
Charoite typically runs about $10 to $80 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Charoite price guide for detail.
Is Charoite good for everyday jewelry?
It rates 5.5 on the Mohs scale, so it suits earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings better than daily rough use.
What is the AltGems Score for Charoite?
Charoite earns an overall AltGems Score of 4.8 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Charoite?
Soft and best in protected settings. Clean with a damp soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, acids, and heat.