Pietersite (Blue Tiger's Eye)

Item Description

Pietersite is a gem name that is sometimes used for Namibian Tiger's Eye that typically has more of a mixed or "swirled" appearance as opposed to the typical banded form. These stones were first discovered by the famous Namibian mineral dealer, Sid Pieters in 1962. The material has been folded and compressed by geologic processes and has a disctinctive appearance due the the tremendous stress that it endured during its formation. Stones and crystals that go through this process are referred to as brecciated, creating a finished product with multiple colors, hues and superb chatoyancy. Tiger's Eye gets its name from the obvious resemblence to the black and golden stripes of a Tiger, along with chatoyant "Cat's Eye" effect. These gems are a form of Chalcedony which is included by fibrous needels of the Amphibole Riebeckite (var: "Crocidolite"), so it really shouldn't be called Tiger's Eye as Tiger's eye is not made of Chalcedony, it is macrocrystalline Quartz. This stone is a beautiful "Pear Cabochon" cut gem with eye-catching blue and minor golden swirling hues throughout. A VERY good sized stone of this attractive material. Valued at $465.50 high retail.