PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - tectosilicates
- COMPOSITION SiO2
- COLOR Very varied
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Hexagonal / trigonal
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Microcrystalline
- HARDNESS 7
- FRACTURE Uneven
- EXFOLIATION Null
- GLOSS Cerulean to matte
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY From transparent to translucent
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.7
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The pietersite is a variety of chalcedony containing embedded fibers of amphiboles (calcium, magnesium and iron metasilicate) with different degrees of alteration. These fibers are what give it the shine and reflections that can be seen on its surface.
The pietersite can be of blue, gray, brown, reddish, golden and yellowish tones. It owes its name to Si Pieters, a mineral trader who discovered it in Namibia in 1962.
Deposits: China and Namibia.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The pietersite is considered a vision stone. Powers the third eye and the pineal gland, stimulating intuition. Promotes meditative state and spiritual balance. The pietersite strengthens the personal will and helps to find and express the inner truth, beyond external and internal conditioning. On a healing level, it is said to help balance the endocrine system.
