Charoite is one of the rarest minerals available in the market today. Discovered in 1976, till date it has only been found in the Murun Mountains in Yakutia, Aldan, Russia. Its name has been derived from the Charo River, from where this deposit has been mined. This region has a unique combination of physical and chemical conditions, which are needed for this mineral to form.

Occurring in various shades of purple with white swirls, black patches and occasional golden dendrite formations (depending on the kind of impurity present), Charoite is a mineral composed of Hydrated Potassium Sodium Calcium Barium Strontium Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride [K(Na, Ca)11(Ba, Sr)Si18O46(OH, F)-nH2O]. It has a hardness of 5.0 on Moh’s Scale and a specific gravity of 2.5 - 2.8.
The crystals of Charoite occur in transparent to translucent forms and are vitreous to pearly.

Quite popular as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone, Charoite is ideal for beads, cabochons, spheres or in carvings and inlay work. Considered to be a healing stone, it is supposed to aid in the treatment of aches and pains, liver ailments, blood pressure and in enhancing self-esteem. Due to its appearance like purple marble and swirls, it cannot be mistaken for any other mineral. Thus this unusual look of Charoite is one of the reasons why it is so popular among the collectors.

Cobalt Calcite or Cobaltocalcite or Cobaltian-Calcite is commonly collected as a mineral rather than cut as a stone. It is very rare so much so that not all collectors are aware of it. This mineral, which is closely related to Sphaerocobaltite, has a beautiful pink to red color sometimes with white banding. Composed of Cobalt carbonate along with some Calcium [(Ca,Co)CO3] this mineral is an intermediary between Calcite and Sphaerocobaltite (CoCO3).

Due to the presence of cobalt the calcite is pink in color, which is further magnified due to the presence of calcium. Cobalt Calcite and Sphaerocobaltite both have identical crystals and occur in the same localities. Cobalt Calcite is found in the Danile mine in Neustadtel, Freiberg, Saxony, Germany; Ruashi, Shaba, Zaire; Boleo, Baja California, Mexico; and Zacatecas, Mexico. It has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on Moh’s Scale and a specific gravity of 3.13. It is also commonly associated with Calcite, Dolomite and Malachite.

With a hardness of 3.5 - 4, it is considered to be quite soft and thus the specimens are very fragile and should be handled with care. Thus it is best set in a pendant or as earrings. Of late its drusy variety with a nice sparkling screen is becoming quite popular among the jewellery designers. This pink colored gem is believed to help the heart, blood, the circulatory system, thymus glands and lungs.

Cat's Eye, an expensive form of Chrysoberyl is found in a cloudy yellow to brownish-green color, with varying hues and excellent luster. Cabochons after polished exhibit a special characteristic that resembles the eye of a cat caught in headlights at night. The effect is caused by inclusions of fine, slender parallel fibers in the gem that reflect light into a single dynamic sliver of light running along the center of the crystal. Many other gems such as Tourmaline, Scapolite, Corundum, Spinel and Quartz also exhibit a cat's eye effect, but the terminology "Cat's Eye" refers to the cat's eye form of Chrysoberyl. All others are usually designated, for example "Quartz Cat's Eye" or "Tourmaline Cat's Eye" in the gemstone industry. Cat's Eyes of other gem types have traditionally been considered inferior to those that appear in Chrysoberyl.

Cat's Eyes are found in Myanmar, Brazil, China, Sri Lanka, and India. Those found in the Mogok mines in Myanmar and in Sri Lanka are considered the best. These localities produce the finest quality of Cat's Eyes called "milk and honey". When a flashlight is shined at the stone’s side it produces amazing color zoning. Half of the stone will appear milky white while the other half remains a honey color. The green form is considered the next best. Apart from its color, it's value is judged by the brilliance of its luster, the sharpness of the eye, and its clarity and shape.
It's believed that wearing a quality Cat's Eye makes one wealthy, healthy, strongly determined, knowledgeable and also provides protection from enemies. It will also help in one gaining insight, spiritual powers, and can help one have better perception as well.

This stone of springtime symbolises youth and innocence, the name Chrysoberyl is derived from the Greek for golden (Chryso) and green gemstone (beryl). When cut, Chrysoberyl is an extremely brilliant stone, ideal for everyday wear and is rapidly gaining in popularity amongst fashionable young designers.

The most desired stones are brilliant yellows, greens and occasionally oranges. The brown Chrysoberyl is - the less valuable. Faceted stones over 10 carats are rare, over 20 carats extremely hard to obtain, and clean stones over 30 carats are museum pieces.

It is said to bring in tranquillity, peace of mind and also increases self-confidence. Chrysoberyl also promotes kindness, generosity, benevolence, hope, optimism, renewal, new beginnings, compassion, forgiveness and resilient nature.

Cat's-eye Chrysoberyl is a translucent gem ranging in wide array of colors from a honey yellow or honey brown to yellowish green to an apple green. It is known for its reflected light effect called "chatoyancy." This is achieved by cutting stones that have very small, parallel "silk" inclusions into cabochons. As the gem is rotated, a distinction is exhibited, silvery white line across its dome that seems to open and close like a cat's eye.

Unlike its high-priced cousin Alexandrite, regular Chrysoberyl is very reasonably priced and exceptionally hard (8.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness), producing some extremely durable gems. Chrysoberyl is found all around the world including Brazil, Burma, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the Ural Mountains & Zimbabwe.
The most desired stones are brilliant yellows, greens and occasionally oranges. The brown Chrysoberyl is - the less valuable. Faceted stones over 10 carats are rare, over 20 carats extremely hard to obtain, and clean stones over 30 carats are museum pieces.

The best cat's-eyes also exhibit a "milk and honey effect," when the stone is rotated, one side of the stone appears transparent, as the other side takes on a creamy appearance. In large cat's-eyes, the milk and honey effect is an important consideration in valuing the stone.

This has been an important gem right from the royalty of Ur, the Mesopotamian capital of pre-biblical times, to Napoleon and Tibetan Buddhists; Cornelian has been revered for its healing, spiritual and creative qualities.

It’s also known as Sadoine or Mecca Stone and sometimes spelt Cornelian, the name Cornelian is derived from Carne, the Latin for flesh, due to the stone’s coloring.

A spiritual and religious stone, Cornelian was used by the Egyptian goddess Isis to protect the dead on their journey through the afterlife; it is the symbol of the Apostle Philip and was one of the stones on Aaron’s breast plate of judgment (Exodus: xxviii, 15-30). To this day Buddhists in China, India and Tibet believe in the protective powers of Cornelian and often follow the Egyptian practice of setting the stone with turquoise and lapis lazuli for enhanced power.

Cornelian is recommended for those with bad memories, creative blocks, confused minds, weak voices and a lack of courage. Cornelian also helps hot-headed people overcome anger and establish self-control, and it even protects the wearer from envy and falling objects. It is said to be beneficial in treating impotence, infertility, insomnia, menstrual cramps, neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, bad blood, lethargy and digestive problems.

The red tints in Cornelian are caused by iron oxide impurities. It is most commonly made into beads, cabochons, and carvings. As Cornelian is fairly common, it is an inexpensive gem. The best Cornelian is translucent. Some Cornelian will be dyed. It’s often carved and the quality of carving is a key issue in determining a price of a Cornelian.