description Pietersite Overview
Pietersite is a brecciated quartz aggregate in which fragments related to tiger’s-eye and hawk’s-eye are cemented together. Its fibers can produce chatoyant reflections, while the broken structure creates irregular bands and swirling patterns in blue, brown, gray, and gold tones. The material was first recognized in Namibia in the 1960s and is cut mainly into cabochons, beads, and ornamental objects.
help Pietersite FAQ
What is Pietersite made of?
Pietersite is a brecciated quartz aggregate, meaning broken fragments are cemented together by quartz. The fragments are related to tiger's-eye and hawk's-eye material.
Why does Pietersite show chatoyancy?
Pietersite's fibrous mineral fragments can reflect light in a narrow, shifting band called chatoyancy. The broken structure also creates irregular bands and swirling patterns.
What colours can Pietersite be?
Pietersite commonly shows blue, brown, gray, and gold tones. Individual stones can display strong movement because those colours follow the brecciated, swirling structure.
Is Pietersite the same as tiger's-eye?
No. Pietersite contains fragments related to tiger's-eye and hawk's-eye, but it has a brecciated structure with irregular swirls rather than the more continuous bands typical of tiger's-eye.
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