Free-formed, polished Pietersite (Hopewell Farm 240, Outjo, Kunene Region, Namibia) - 0224_P-N4
49 x 39 x 15mm
Pietersite is a type of brecciated chalcedony (brecciated = of rocks, broken into fragmented pieces). And yes, chalcedony, but it looks nothing like chalcedony because of the embedded mineral fibres in it.
Pietersite was first discovered in Namibia in 1962, making it a relatively new stone in human history. Namibia was considered pietersite’s only source until 1993, when similar specimens were found in China. The Chinese version then hit the market in 1997, but it has since dried up. However, it looks very different from the Namibian type because it’s mineral makeup is actually quite different, despite having the same name. Later, a minor seam has been found in South Africa, but that has since gone dry.
As such, only the Namibian mine is left, but it is also barely yielding any new pieces now because it's nearly depleted.
Now, pietersite tends to come in various colours, from blue to brown, sometimes with orange and yellow hues, and most recently, red. Of these, blue is the most rare and valued.
Pietersite’s other name is “Tempest Stone” because the flashes of golden-orange across the dark blues is reminiscent of lightning penetrating a gray-blue sky. To me, it reminds me of a stormy sea. What makes this name even more suitable is the fact that Pietersite is pyroelectric, which means it is able to generate electricity when heated. In simple terms, it literally contains an electrical charge – kinda like carrying its own lightning inside!
Because of its rarity, Pietersite has always been a high value chalcedony. It possesses crocidolite inclusions which gives it that fibrous chatoyance that we associate with Tiger’s eye too.
Here’s a fun fact: Crocidolite is a type of asbestos – BUT FRET NOT! Cut pietersite (and tiger’s eye) is safe to handle or wear. It’s handling these materials in their raw form which is dangerous.
49 x 39 x 15mm
Pietersite is a type of brecciated chalcedony (brecciated = of rocks, broken into fragmented pieces). And yes, chalcedony, but it looks nothing like chalcedony because of the embedded mineral fibres in it.
Pietersite was first discovered in Namibia in 1962, making it a relatively new stone in human history. Namibia was considered pietersite’s only source until 1993, when similar specimens were found in China. The Chinese version then hit the market in 1997, but it has since dried up. However, it looks very different from the Namibian type because it’s mineral makeup is actually quite different, despite having the same name. Later, a minor seam has been found in South Africa, but that has since gone dry.
As such, only the Namibian mine is left, but it is also barely yielding any new pieces now because it's nearly depleted.
Now, pietersite tends to come in various colours, from blue to brown, sometimes with orange and yellow hues, and most recently, red. Of these, blue is the most rare and valued.
Pietersite’s other name is “Tempest Stone” because the flashes of golden-orange across the dark blues is reminiscent of lightning penetrating a gray-blue sky. To me, it reminds me of a stormy sea. What makes this name even more suitable is the fact that Pietersite is pyroelectric, which means it is able to generate electricity when heated. In simple terms, it literally contains an electrical charge – kinda like carrying its own lightning inside!
Because of its rarity, Pietersite has always been a high value chalcedony. It possesses crocidolite inclusions which gives it that fibrous chatoyance that we associate with Tiger’s eye too.
Here’s a fun fact: Crocidolite is a type of asbestos – BUT FRET NOT! Cut pietersite (and tiger’s eye) is safe to handle or wear. It’s handling these materials in their raw form which is dangerous.
49 x 39 x 15mm
Pietersite is a type of brecciated chalcedony (brecciated = of rocks, broken into fragmented pieces). And yes, chalcedony, but it looks nothing like chalcedony because of the embedded mineral fibres in it.
Pietersite was first discovered in Namibia in 1962, making it a relatively new stone in human history. Namibia was considered pietersite’s only source until 1993, when similar specimens were found in China. The Chinese version then hit the market in 1997, but it has since dried up. However, it looks very different from the Namibian type because it’s mineral makeup is actually quite different, despite having the same name. Later, a minor seam has been found in South Africa, but that has since gone dry.
As such, only the Namibian mine is left, but it is also barely yielding any new pieces now because it's nearly depleted.
Now, pietersite tends to come in various colours, from blue to brown, sometimes with orange and yellow hues, and most recently, red. Of these, blue is the most rare and valued.
Pietersite’s other name is “Tempest Stone” because the flashes of golden-orange across the dark blues is reminiscent of lightning penetrating a gray-blue sky. To me, it reminds me of a stormy sea. What makes this name even more suitable is the fact that Pietersite is pyroelectric, which means it is able to generate electricity when heated. In simple terms, it literally contains an electrical charge – kinda like carrying its own lightning inside!
Because of its rarity, Pietersite has always been a high value chalcedony. It possesses crocidolite inclusions which gives it that fibrous chatoyance that we associate with Tiger’s eye too.
Here’s a fun fact: Crocidolite is a type of asbestos – BUT FRET NOT! Cut pietersite (and tiger’s eye) is safe to handle or wear. It’s handling these materials in their raw form which is dangerous.
For every $15 spent, we will plant 1 tree to offset the carbon cost of mining, shipping and packaging crystals.
These are real and natural products, and so might have some flaws or imperfections. We have done our best to pick the best pieces available, but nature is often imperfectly perfect. Therefore, please only make the purchase if you are alright with this.
