The Tempest Stone
PIETERSITE
Pietersite Origin & Physical Properties
Pietersite is a rare variety of Quartz that is composed of Tiger’s Eye, Hawk’s Eye and Jasper. Pietersite is a pseudomorph of Quartz, meaning over time, composite minerals like Crocidolite, were replaced by Quartz. This created the breccia aggregate we call Pietersite. When polished, its fibrous layers of growth create a natural chatoyancy. Pietersite typically exhibits swirls of black, silver, gold and grayish-blue chatoyant patterns. Because it is mostly Quartz with mineral impurities, Pietersite is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 6.5 -7 Mohs.
Pietersite is cut in cabochon with the face of the stone parallel to the swirling fibrous patterns to best show off its beautiful layers of interlocking growth. To date, Pietersite is only found in Namibia, South African and Henan, China. Namibian Pietersite is generally more bluish, while Chinese Pietersite is more often brown to reddish in color. It is a unisex gemstone that is particularly popular for men’s jewelry. Although still fairly unknown, Pietersite is growing in popularity. It is moderately expensive for an opaque gemstone, and its value per gram is comparable to Larimar.
| Category | Properties |
|---|---|
Chemical Composition |
SiO2 |
Mohs Hardness |
6.5 – 7 |
Luster |
Silky on fractures |
Specific Gravity |
2.50 to 2.74 |
Refractive Index |
1.544 -1.553 |
Fluorescence |
Moderate to strong green and white color |
Crystal System |
Trigonal |
Diaphaneity |
Opaque |
Color |
Brownish-red, orange, golden yellow, brown, blue, gray |
Origin |
China, and Namibia, South Africa |
Chakra |
Solar Plexus (3rd) |
Zodiac |
Leo |
Element |
Air |
Metaphysical Effects |
Strengthen, process inner conflict, take action, focus, sparks imagination, dispel negativity |
Pietersite Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Pietersite is called the Tempest stone and is symbolized by the transformative power of the storm. Its flashes of silvery blue and golden swirls are like the churning of storm clouds and streaks of lightening. Pietersite works on multiple energetic levels, activating the Root, Solar-Plexus and Third-Eye Chakras. It is a protective and fortifying stone that encourages self-confidence, inner-strength and the will to rise above obstacles. Pietersite grounds one’s belief in one’s self into the here and now. It can help to strengthen the intuition and links the intuitive vision of the third-eye to the gut feelings of the solar-plexus.
Pietersite can be used for exploring the inner-world of one’s subconscious. It can expand our awareness of what is possible and stimulate new ideas and inspirations. It is a stone that guides us to our center, a state of being rather than a state of action. From a centered and balanced state, we can achieve more than we could have ever imagined. Stones of empowerment act as energetic tools for self-improvement.
