Pietersite

A spectacular mix of Jasper and Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) with embedded fibres of silicified Amphibole (Riebeckite).

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Origin of Name: named after the legendary Namibian mineral dealer Sidney "Sid" Pieters, who discovered it in 1962

Synonyms and trade names: none

Can be confused with: Tiger´s Eye and Hawk´s Eye (blue Tiger´s Eye)

Localities:  for 30 years time there was only one source, the Hopewell Farm, about 40km northeast of the city of Outjo, Kunene Region, Namibia.
In the early 1990ies a very similar rock was found in China. This material consists of another type of Amphibole (Torendrikite, a Magnesio-Riebeckite), and was not recognized as Pietersite for a long time.

Handling: sensitive to hydrofluoric acid, otherwise unproblematic

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Gemmological Properties of Pietersite

Formula:
SiO2
Crystal system:
trigonal
Mohs hardness:
6.5-7
Specific gravity:
2.55 - 2.70
Refractive index:
1.530 - 1.543
Max. Birefringence:
0.009
Dispersion:
none
Pleochroism:
none
Luminiscence:
inert
Lustre:
waxy to vitreous
Cleavage:
none
Fracture:
uneven conchoidal
Colour:
brown, gold, red, orange, blue, grey, black