Charmaksud (however one wants to spell the name—there are several versions) is an esoteric material—but many people who know Afghan beads are familiar with it. Of course, it was more available some years ago than now.

When Peter Francis was still alive and writing about beads, he thought he had "discovered" these beads and their history, but this had already been worked out by people I knew who lived in Afghanistan in the early '70s. Nevertheless, his article on this topic is worth reading.

In any event, your observations are interesting additions too. It would be a shame if the few remaining beads were to become confused with ordinary serpentine or any commercial beads abounding (or vice versa).

Cheers! Jamey