In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as charoite vs. amethyst it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
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Charoite vs. Amethyst – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
Both charoite and amethyst are silicate minerals. Charoite mainly consists of silicon, oxygen atoms, and calcium, but it also contains potassium ions which makes it radioactive. This gem forms in limestone through the process of metamorphism. Amethyst is a silicon dioxide made up of silicate and oxygen atoms and has traces of manganese.
Also read: Amethyst For Protection: Why And How To Use It
Color
The color of the two gems is almost similar. The charoite is translucent, primarily lavender to purple. It can also be violet, light brown, or lilac. Amethyst, on the other hand, is mainly reddish purple to purple. It has no visible color zoning—traces of manganese cause the color of the two gems.
When the amethyst is placed in a dark place, it appears dim. The purple color of this gem can be seen when the blue and red color is mixed.
Pattern and Clarity
Charoite has a fibrous appearance and occurs mainly opaque to transparent. They have inclusions that add to their value, unlike other gems whose value is decreased due to inclusions. Amethyst does not have a clear set of clarity, but it is graded into groups.
They are rated on a scale ranging from AAAA to B. the AAAA has no inclusions, and thus it is eye clean. B stones require heat treatment to improve their clarity and color.
Inclusions of this gem are usually feathers, needles, crystals, natural indentions, and pinpoints. Charoite has a monoclinic crystal structure, while that amethyst has a hexagonal crystal structure.
Hardness
Both of these gemstones are said to be tough stones. The charoite ranges at about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, while the amethyst ranges at 7. Both the charoite and amethyst are very brittle and hence break in conchoidal fractures and are easily damaged. The charoite has cleavage patterns which makes it vulnerable to scratches.
Care
The use of lukewarm water and soap is a safe method to clean charoite, a soft cloth or brush Is recommended to remove other small particles. This gemstone is very sensitive to high pressure and heat, and therefore the use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided.After cleaning, it should be stored in a fabric bag to avoid scratches.
For the amethyst, clean, warm, soapy water should be used; however, use of ultrasonic can be used but under minimal conditions like when the gem has died or after being treated using the fracture filling method. Amethyst is sensitive to heat, a factor that hinders the use of steam cleaners. After cleansing this gem, you can place it in the sun as it is not sensitive to light. This improves in cleansing it.
Location
Charoite is immensely a rare gem. It was first allocated in Yakutia around the Chary River and was thus named charoite. Today, it is only found in Siberia, Russia. Today, amethyst is found in Brazil, South Korea, the united states, Russia, and South India.
Uses
Jewelry
Both gemstones are attractive and have beautiful colors making them suitable for jewelry production. They make durable jewelry because of their hardness. This jewelry includes bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces.
When worn, these gems work magic in your life as they have vibrations that help you to improve your weaknesses. The effects of their vibrations can also be felt when these gems are put in the pocket.
Properties
These gems have physical, mental, and emotional healing for the wearer. For the charoite, it can shift illnesses to become wealth, power, and prosperity. It is believed to help keep the body healthy by reducing stress and taking care of high blood pressure.
This gem is good for keeping your body away from pain. However, this gemstone also works on your confidence, making you courageous enough to express yourself, and work extremely hard to achieve your goals. It makes your mind to be clear at all times, which is excellent in decision making.
On the other hand, amethyst is said to be a very protective gem. It transmits love and protection energy to the wearer. This gem releases stress balances emotions, and takes away fear, anxiety, and rage. Charoite is also believed to boost hormone production and the immune system and can fight against any cancerous cells.
Amethyst is a high vibration stone which makes it appropriate for meditation. The energies within this crystal facilitate spiritual awakening, wisdom, and awareness. The crystal opens us to our abilities beyond physical form. It’s also instrumental in facilitating communication with spirit guides and angels.
It will also dispel negative energies around you. The crystal connects to the third eye chakra to open up our intuition and psychic abilities.
Healers and scientists have highly recommended the use of amethyst for healing and the wellness of the body processes. For instance, it is believed to be useful for post-surgical procedures, joint pain, or sleeping problems. Amethyst therapy is also perceived to have a positive effect on extremities and problems associated with menstruation for ladies.
Chakra Association
The two gemstones stimulate the crown chakra and the third eye chakra. Moreover, charoite also stimulates the solar plexus chakra. The crown chakra is believed to be the most spiritual chakra of all the seven chakras. It connects you to higher consciousness and guidance.
It also makes you reconnect with the spiritual world and divinity. Subsequently, it inspires you to work on your faith and be aware of your divinity. The third eye chakra is also stimulated to spirituality and divinity, but in this case, it is less intense. It also helps you in perception and communication, and hence it is known as the voice of the body.
The charoite gem stimulates the solar plexus chakra to enhance self-confidence, control of emotions, and a positive attitude towards life in general.
Also read: What Chakra Is Amethyst? (Purple, Ametrine, Pink)
Zodiac Association
Charoite and amethyst are both associated with the Sagittarius zodiac pack. However, the amethyst is associated with more zodiac signs such as Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. During the dark hours of the night, the Sagittarius helps these gems to put you in intense thoughts.
This sign makes your life to be full of light and fun. Sagittarians are always ready to take the next step. Charoite can also work well with those people who are born under the Scorpio sign. Both of these gemstones are birthstones of different months. Charoite is for December, while Amethyst is for February.
Also read: The Complete Guide To Amethyst And The Zodiac Signs
Element Association
Charoite is said to belong be a water and fire element, while amethyst is an air and water element. The fire element represents change, passion, ambition, and drive. The air element represents the mind, intuition, and imagination. The water element represents our feelings and emotions.
The charoite is classified in this element because of its ability to bestow inner strength, promote courage, and facilitate prophecy. Being an air and water element, amethyst facilitates meditation, psychic abilities, and spiritual awareness, relieves stress, and promotes better communication.
Also read: What Element Is Amethyst? (Purple, Pink, Chevron, Ametrine)
Ruling Planet
Jupiter governs charoite and amethyst. However, the amethyst is also ruled over by Neptune. Jupiter is associated with freedom and the urge to explore. It also governs long distances traveled. This planet brings wealth and prosperity to businesses.
It enhances progression in career and life. This planet can also doom your life. Neptune, on the other hand, is believed to be the god of the seas. It represents imagination, dreams, and spirituality; thus, it enables you to become creative. Neptune is represented by darkness, wind, and cold.
Also read: Amethyst for Meditation: Why and How You Should Use It
Numerical Vibration
Charoite has a numerical vibration number of 7, while that of amethyst is 3. These vibrations help to facilitate the healing properties of these gemstones. They help to keep your mind calm and mental clarity and also maintain the health of the wearer.
These vibrations help to transform negative thoughts into positive ones enhancing good deeds. They also enhance self-love and awareness, which makes you realize the importance of being independent. Number 7 in numerology represents completion. It’s believed that 7 brings luck and an obstacle-free life.
People associated with this number love and seek knowledge. Number 3, on the other hand, brings peace, harmony, and wealth. It is also considered a good omen for optimism and high creativity levels.
Best Combination
Moldavite and charoite can be combined to work together for courage. It helps, especially if you have suffered a loss in either business or studies and you need to start over again. This combination offers emotional support, which gives you the strength to start over.
It can also be combined with smoky quartz to enhance spirituality and divinity. It enhances emotional intelligence, intuition, and psychic insight. It also encourages you in all matters of life and most especially in romantic relationships.
Amethyst can be combined with charoite to boost your self-knowledge and esteem. The insight it produces enables you to think and have a more profound vision of the future. The amethyst can also be fused with the clear quartz, and thus they stimulate the crown chakra. This combination is also great during meditation and learning about spiritual matters.
