Eastern Siberia Charoite is an unusual stone of a very rare occurrence found in only one location northeast of Lake Baikal. The region is known for its harsh conditions where miners face bad weather, ragged terrain, and lack of infrastructure. In recent years no new rough material has been retrieved from the mine. Charoite is a rock containing fibrous purple crystals of charoite, black crystals of aegerine augite, transparent crystals (microcline feldspar) and orange (rare tinaksite). The quality of material is judged on the basis of the size of charoite fibrous crystals with the most superior quality material displaying a pearly luster. Frequently used by Russians in jewelry and the decorative arts, it is believed to “prevent sinning, strengthen matrimonial bonds and bestow wisdom”. The present vase, of elegant baluster form, is carved from a single piece of high quality rich purple charoite and exhibits the aforementioned pearly luster. Height 9 1/4in.
Eastern Siberia Charoite is an unusual stone of a very rare occurrence found in only one location northeast of Lake Baikal. The region is known for its harsh conditions where miners face bad weather, ragged terrain, and lack of infrastructure. In recent years no new rough material has been retrieved from the mine. Charoite is a rock containing fibrous purple crystals of charoite, black crystals of aegerine augite, transparent crystals (microcline feldspar) and orange (rare tinaksite). The quality of material is judged on the basis of the size of charoite fibrous crystals with the most superior quality material displaying a pearly luster. Frequently used by Russians in jewelry and the decorative arts, it is believed to “prevent sinning, strengthen matrimonial bonds and bestow wisdom”. The present vase, of elegant baluster form, is carved from a single piece of high quality rich purple charoite and exhibits the aforementioned pearly luster. Height 9 1/4in.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
