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Pietersite

Named after it's discoverer, Sid Pieters, pietersite, sometimes known as tempest stone, is a very close relative of tiger eye (both are pseudomorphs after asbestos.)  As such it exhibits an incredible chatoyancy.  This is a colorful stone, showing red, indigo, brown, gold, green and black; all of which can often be seen in the individual stone.  The tempest stone name is most likely a reference to the typical swirling patterns exhibited in this beautiful material.

The original discovery was made in Namibia.  A more recent find in China (1993) is very similar material, but it should more properly called torendrikite because it's a magnesium-rich material while the Namibian pietersite has inclusions that are mainly crocidolite.

Lore

As this material has only recently come on scene there is not a lot of lore about it.  Devotees of the New Age philosophies believe that it helps to free a closed mind by dispelling illusion.  Said to carry the energy of the storm, pietersite enhances courage, tenacity and will power.

Love is in the Earth by A. Melody is one of the most popular gem lore books on the market.

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