Pietersite
What is Pietersite?
Pietersite is a variety of quartz, composed naturally of Tiger’s Eye, Hawk’s Eye, and Jasper. It’s primarily found in Namibia and China. Pietersite is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique blend of colors and its chatoyant streaks.
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Pietersite is a unique gemstone that comes in a blend of colors, often including blues, golds, and reds. Its unique chatoyant streaks make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially beads and pendants.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate |
| Color | Pietersite displays a mix of colors, including blues, golds, and reds, often with a chatoyant luster. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Silky to vitreous. |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Occurrence | Namibia, China, and South Africa. |
| Formation | Pietersite forms from the alteration of crocidolite mineral fibers into quartz. |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent with chatoyancy |
| Cleavage | Perfect in two directions |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 to 7. |
| Specific Gravity | 2.64-2.71. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Chatoyancy, blue to gold colors. |
| Chemical Composition | SiO2 |
| Pleochroism | None. |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal (variety of Quartz) |
| Optical Properties | Aggregate (multiple minerals, so optical properties vary) |
| Refractive Index | 1.530 - 1.539 |
| Birefringence | Varies due to mixture of minerals |
| 2V angle | Not applicable (mixture of minerals) |
| Dispersion | Not notably high. |