The facts
What pietersite actually is
Mineralogically, pietersite is quartz (brecciated silicified amphibole) — SiO₂ after amphibole, crystallising in the trigonal (aggregate) system.
The colour is caused by blue, gold and red chatoyant domains from variably oxidised amphibole fibres in a brecciated matrix. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553 (spot ~1.54), and the specific gravity sits near 2.64–2.78; cleavage is none.
Where pietersite comes from
The recognised sources are Outjo district, Kunene, Namibia and Henan Province, China.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How pietersite is treated
Generally untreated; the brecciated chatoyancy is natural. Some material is resin-stabilised because it can be fractured. Dyed tiger's eye breccia is sold as pietersite.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What pietersite is confused with
The usual confusions are Tiger's eye, Hawk's eye and Dyed chalcedony breccia.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 (spot ~1.54) and specific gravity 2.64–2.78 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What pietersite is used for
Pietersite is bought by jewellery, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Pietersite is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What pietersite costs
Indicative pricing for pietersite is $1–15/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is pietersite treated, and how?
Generally untreated; the brecciated chatoyancy is natural. Some material is resin-stabilised because it can be fractured. Dyed tiger's eye breccia is sold as pietersite.
Where does pietersite come from?
Outjo district, Kunene, Namibia and Henan Province, China. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is pietersite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does pietersite cost?
Indicatively $1–15/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is pietersite confused with?
Most often Tiger's eye, Hawk's eye and Dyed chalcedony breccia. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 (spot ~1.54) and a specific gravity near 2.64–2.78 separate it quickly.
What is pietersite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for pietersite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about pietersite