Charoite is a complex silicate containing elements such as potassium, sodium, calcium, barium, strontium, oxygen, silicon, and hydrogen. It is often found with inclusions of microcline feldspar, aergirine-augite, and tinaksite. Its distinctive color, ranging from bright lavender and violet to deep purple, together with its unusual patterns makes it so unusual it is often mistaken for a synthetic. It is found in massive form in dense fibrous aggregates, and may be translucent to opaque with a slight to moderate chatoyancy and a vitreous silky luster.