Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Pietersite (brecciated quartz with amphibole fibers) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 with crocidolite fibers |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal (quartz) |
| Form | Polished / tumbled |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
A polished pear-shaped pietersite cabochon with rich golden-brown chatoyant fibers swept through with blue-black and white streaks. Pietersite is a brecciated relative of tiger’s eye: fibrous amphibole (crocidolite) that was shattered, re-cemented with quartz, and partly altered to iron oxides — which is why the silky “flash” swirls in different directions instead of running in neat parallel bands.
Ready for setting in a pendant or ring, or to keep as a collector’s piece. Mohs hardness about 7. Lot #82.
Care
Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Pietersite: the science
- Pietersite was named after Sid Pieters, who described it from Namibia in the 1960s.
- The moving shimmer, called chatoyancy, comes from light reflecting off parallel mineral fibers inside the stone.
- Gold tones come from iron oxides that altered the originally blue fibers.
Go deeper
Want the full story on pietersite: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Shop all Polished & Tumbled Stones Browse all crystal guides
Questions about this piece
What is pietersite?
Pietersite is a naturally brecciated relative of tiger’s eye: quartz filled with fibrous blue and gold amphibole that was shattered, swirled, and re-cemented, giving a chaotic, stormy chatoyance.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale. Mohs 6.5–7. Wipe with a soft damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals and hard knocks.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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