mineral
Pietersite
SiO2 (Chalcedony with amphibole inclusions)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, exhibiting a distinctive chatoyant luster with chaotic swirls of blue, gold, and brown. It features a microcrystalline quartz structure with embedded fibrous amphibole minerals.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, exhibiting a distinctive chatoyant luster with chaotic swirls of blue, gold, and brown. It features a microcrystalline quartz structure with embedded fibrous amphibole minerals.
Formation & geological history
Formed through tectonic activity altering quartz and hawk's eye or tiger's eye, creating fragmented breccia cemented by microcrystalline quartz.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a polished gemstone for cabochons, rings, pendants, and as a decorative specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Discovered in Namibia in 1962 by Sid Pieters, it is often called the 'tempest stone' due to its stormy, swirling appearance.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its chaotic chatoyancy and fibrous multicolored swirls. Found primarily in Namibia and China.
