Known in the Pagan community as Tempeststone, Pietersite is a soft, smooth, silky beautiful gemstone and one of my all time favorites. The stone is named for its discoverer, Sid Pieterse, who first discovered it in 1962 while prospecting farmland in Namibia, Africa. He registered the find in the mineral records of Britain and the discovery was later published in 1964, when it was named Pietersite.
There are only two known locations for pietersite, China and Africa; the Chinese pietersite’s fibrous mineral is often called ‘Golden Eagles Eye’ ranging in colors from rich deep red, blackish blue and most noted gold, almost resembling Tigers Eye. The African Pietersite is most rare because of the blue tones, deep midnight navy, and baby blue, with a hint of cream and reddish hues. All the brilliant color variations give it a subtle, yet strikingly richness, like fine silk.
Pietersite gemstones crystallize in the form of masses; the structure is a result of inclusion in Jasper. The Pietersite stones mineral exhibits an energetic quality like the quartz. The gemstone beads have been said to contain the ‘keys o the kingdom of heaven’, dispelling illusion and assisting one in the recognition of the beauty of the soul.
Wearing or working with the gemstone brings with it a particular calm and joyous peacefulness, helping to dissolve confusion and fear about what lies ahead in life. It will help a person relax and release limits placed on the person’s creativity and allow them to recognize their divine potential.
Most common cuts are in cabochons; this is because a tall, round cut is required to maximize the chatoyancy effect most brilliantly. If the cut is but a little off, the stone will end up lifeless, with little or no chatoyance or no play of color.If you are lucky enough to own a piece of Pietersite jewelry, clean it with a simple polishing cloth; do not clean with household chemicals and keep it from prolonged exposure to extreme heat and temperatures.
