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
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Pietersite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
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
- ⚠️Pietersite in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crocidolite Asbestos, Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️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.
- ⚠️Pietersite is typically non-toxic except in powder form. If you plan to cut or polish pietersite, it's advisable to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any dust. Asbestos fibers and silica dust are hazardous when inhaled, as they can lead to serious lung disease.
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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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Pietersite FAQs
How do I identify Pietersite?
Pietersite can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Blue-gray color, Vitreous, Silky luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Pietersite?
Pietersite typically appears in Blue-gray, brown, yellow colors. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Pietersite?
Pietersite has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.