Charoite is a rare silicate mineral. It was first described in 1978 and named after the Chara River. It has been reported only from the Sakha Republic, Yakutia, Siberia, Russia.

Charoite is translucent with a pearly luster and varies from lavender to purple in color. Charoite is strictly massive in nature, and all fractures are conchoidal. It has an unusual swirling, fibrous appearance, sometimes exhibits chatoyancy. This fact along with its intense color may lead many people to mistake that it is either produced synthetically or enhanced artificially.

Though discovered in the 1940s according to reports, it was known to the outside world only after its description in 1978. It is said to be opaque and unattractive when found in the field; a fact that may have contributed to its late recognition. But after it is prepared it becomes an eye catching beauty.