What is Pietersite?

<p>Pietersite</p>

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.

Gemstone Properties

Chemical ClassificationInorganic - Silicate
ColorPietersite displays a mix of colors, including blues, golds, and reds, often with a chatoyant luster.
StreakWhite
LusterSilky to vitreous.
TransparencyOpaque.
OccurrenceNamibia, China, and South Africa.
FormationPietersite forms from the alteration of crocidolite mineral fibers into quartz.
DiaphaneityTranslucent with chatoyancy
CleavagePerfect in two directions
Mohs Hardness6.5 to 7.
Specific Gravity2.64-2.71.
Diagnostic PropertiesChatoyancy, blue to gold colors.
Chemical CompositionSiO2
PleochroismNone.
Crystal SystemHexagonal (variety of Quartz)
Optical PropertiesAggregate (multiple minerals, so optical properties vary)
Refractive Index1.530 - 1.539
BirefringenceVaries due to mixture of minerals
2V angleNot applicable (mixture of minerals)
DispersionNot notably high.