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.
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. |