Pietersite is a relatively rare mineral from Namibia.
Named after Sid Pieters, who discovered it in 1962, it's used as a carving material and particularly for gemstones.
The finest pietersite can exhibit striking colour and markings and can also be slightly chatoyant.
Pietersite is often described as a mix of blue and brown tigers eye.
Although once mined in China, the mine closed many years ago due to flooding and has never reopened.
Pietersite is not an easy mineral to find. Top-grade material tends to be snapped up by collectors.
PHOSPHOSIDERITE
