By Chisom Ibemere
Pietersite is a rare gemstone and newly discovered around 1962. It was named after a gemstone prospector and enthusiast, Sid Pieters and had gained popularity among collectors. It is majorly found in Namibia and also found in Africa including China and th United States.
Pietersite formation occurs in veins within igneous rocks, such as volcanic or intrusive rocks. It is basically used as a gemstone in jewelry. It has various colours including deep blues, golds, and reds, which makes it highly sought after for its unique appearance. Pietersite is often faceted into cabochons, beads, and occasionally carved into ornamental pieces.
Pietersite is a variety of chalcedony which comprises of quartz with varying amounts of other minerals such as amphibole and crocidolite. It is characterized by its chatoyancy that produces stunning colors when there is a light reflection off the fibrous inclusions within the stone.
Pietersite has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and showcases a vitreous to silky luster. It is considered a rare and valuable gemstone due to its unique appearance. The value of pietersite is determined by several factors, including color, clarity, size, and the overall quality of the stone.
The fine-quality gemstone with intense colors and strong chatoyancy are highly prized and can command a higher price. The global value of pietersite can vary depending on demand and availability.