Stone Mania

This rare gemstone has since also been found in Hunan province in China but this mine is apparently now closed.  The price of pietersite has risen in recent years as a result of this closure and also due to the limited production from the mine in Namibia.   An increase in demand for pietersite and difficulties with its export have also contributed to its rise in price. 

Pietersite is also known as the 'tempest stone', it is opaque with colours ranging from red to gold to blue and black.  It often exhibits a shimmering chatoyancy effect (an optical reflectance seen in certain gemstones) similar to that seen in tigers eye.

It is said that pietersite carries the energy of a storm and can purify one's body and energies.  Healers believe pietersite to be be tremendously energizing to the wearer, enhancing strength, courage, will power and awareness of higher planes.  It is believed to hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven, dispelling illusion and assisting one to recognise the beauty of the soul and helping to support human courage, tenacity and dauntless effort to create and maintain beauty.  It is also invaluable when experiencing or releasing deep emotions as it calms emotional outbursts and upheavals, hence the name tempest stone. Pietersite is also excellent for improving the memory.

Pietersite is graded 6.5 to 7.5 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

The following link offers further reading on pietersite

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietersite 

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