Pietersite
A variety of Chalcedony
What is Pietersite?
Pietersite is the commercial term and trade name for material mined in Namibia, Africa. This rock is almost always seen and sold in the form of cabochons; it is cut and polished this way to maximize the chatoyancy, or so-called cat's effect.
Uses & Applications
Pietersite is the trade name for an aggregate of the mineral breccia. This stone is traded as an ornamental material because it produces a cat's eye effect, also known as chatoyancy, when polished. This property gives the stone tremendous appeal for use as a bead or in other carved shapes for necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry.
Healing Properties
Pietersite is believed to have a particular advantage on your heart, blood pressure, and nervous system, and it's believed to regulate metabolism and treat many ailments. For women, pietersite is said to lessen the symptoms of menstruation. This stone may have an affinity with the elements, helping to calm in storms and bad weather.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.530-1.543
- Birefringence
- 0.003-0.009
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
Pietersite Market Value Calculator
Estimate the market value of Pietersite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.
Pietersite Localities Map
See where Pietersite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Associated Chakras
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Harm Reason: Pietersite in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crocidolite Asbestos, Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Physical Toxicity: Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️How to prevent the risks of Pietersite?
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Blue-gray, brown, yellow colors
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 2.5 - 2.74 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gold, orange
- Luster
- Vitreous, Silky
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
Also Known As
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