Charlesite was named in 1945 after Dr. Charles Palache mineralogist and professor at Harvard University for his work on minerals.

This mineral is extremely rare, and when it is found it is often in crystal (but not gem) form.

The Wessel's Mine is thought to be the only source for charlesite to be found in gem quality.

[6] Several of the other recorded places are Germany, Japan, Norway, Romania, and Slovakia.

[5] Dunn P.J., Peacor D.R., Leavens P.B., Baum J.L.,1983, American Mineralogist, Charlesite, a new mineral of the ettringite group, New Jersey [1]