Stones of earthly origin are unique in themselves, with their own unique properties and colors. We treat some of them without much sympathy, and we not only admire some of them, but in some cases we are afraid of them. They are fraught with mysteries and secrets, legends are made about them, they are mentioned in popular beliefs. The latter includes the mineral Petersite, which has unsurpassed magical and healing properties.
Story
The “parents” of Petersite are considered to be the scientist Sid Peters and museum workers, brothers Thomas and Joseph Peters.
Sid Peters found the stone in Namibia (1962) while assessing soils for agricultural suitability.
The American stones discovered at the end of the millennium were named after appreciating the merits of the Peters brothers in the development of mineralogy.
How the mineral was formed
For a mineralogist, pietersite is eye quartz, a type of tiger's eye. But it can also be considered an independent mineral. If in the “eye” the layering is ordered, in Petersite it is complete chaos. This eye quartz is the result of crushing, mixing, and pressing fragments of quartz (breccias) and other elements at high temperatures.
The twisting and interlacing of crocidolite fibers in the composition of the quartz melt is evidence of the violent origin of petersite.
No wonder the African aborigines called him “the son of storms.”
Description
The mineral petersite is a translucent or translucent iridescent-brilliant variegated stone.
When twisted, a delightful silky shimmer is noticeable. It is created by internal veins in the form of stripes or bunches.
More often in nature you come across bright yellowish-green-black crystals, less often - dark blue, light blue, and black petersite.
The structure and pattern of the surface is a harmonious color chaos created by nature itself.
Physico-chemical characteristics
According to the chemical nomenclature, Petersite is silicon oxide with many impurities in its composition. Impurities “control” the color of the mineral. Iron creates red-brown “fibers”, magnesium creates a blue-blue range.
| Color | Bright yellowish green |
| Stroke color | white |
| origin of name | in honor of the Peters brothers (Thomas A. Peters, 1947-, and Joseph Peters, 1951-),. For their contribution to the development of mineralogy in the state of New Jersey (USA) and dedication to museum work: Thomas Peters (born 1947) - Paterson Museum in Paterson, New Jersey, USA; Joseph Peters (b. 1951) - American Museum of Natural History in New York, New York, USA. The suffix in the name reflects the dominant rare earth element (yttrium) included in the mineral. |
| Opening place | Laurel Hill (Snake Hill; Penitentiary Quarry), Secaucus, Hudson Co., New Jersey, USA |
| Opening year | 1981 (IMA1981-064) |
| IMA status | approved 1981 |
| Chemical formula | (Y,Ce,Nd,Ca)Cu6(PO4)3(OH)6*3H2O |
| Shine | glass |
| Transparency | translucent see through |
| Cleavage | not visible |
| Kink | uneven |
| Hardness | 3 3,5 4 |
| Strunz (8th edition) | 7/D.53-10 |
| Hey's CIM Ref. | 19.4.10 |
| Dana (8th edition) | 42.5.2.1 |
| Molecular weight | 927.20 |
| Radioactivity (GRapi) | 6,219.10 |
| Density (calculated) | 3.40 |
| Density (measured) | 3.41 |
| Refractive indices | nω = 1.666 nε = 1.747 |
| Maximum birefringence | δ = 0.081 |
| Type | single-axis (+) |
| Optical relief | high |
| Selection form | prismatic to acicular crystals, radial aggregates and spherulites. |
| Classes on taxonomy of the USSR | Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates |
| IMA classes | Phosphates |
| singonia | hexagonal |
Dissolves only with hydrofluoric acid.
Place of Birth
Throughout the 20th century, Namibia had a monopoly on mineral extraction. It determined global volumes of raw materials and dictated prices. The sole “reign” of the African country ended by 1997: mega-deposits were discovered in China.
Today, these two states remain the only sources of jewelry petersite on the planet.
Hints of the presence of the mineral are found in US deposits, but for jewelers this is substandard.
Jewelry with petersite
High jewelry, decoration and collecting mineralogical collections are the areas of application of the stone.
Craftsmen produce a full range of petersite jewelry. Sets of products are especially valued, since it is difficult to select inserts based on the design.
The stone is sometimes complemented in jewelry with other gems. It looks harmonious with monochrome beryls, amethysts, and topazes. Wear petersites with other variegated stones (for example, jasper - bad manners).
Jewelry with petersite
An insert, especially a bracelet or beads, requires an appropriate wardrobe - to match any of the shades of the stone.
How to distinguish a natural Petersite stone from a fake one?
Today, purchasing products with Petersite is much easier than before. It is no longer a scarce stone. True, not every person can afford such a purchase. The price of the gem continues to rise. This is due to the fact that its deposits are gradually drying up. Of course, this reason leads to an increase in price.
Representatives of the fair sex will be decorated with earrings, a ring or a necklace with a stone. Men should opt for a spectacular ring.
Unfortunately, with the advent of the jewelry business and until now, scammers are becoming more and more inventive. They are trying to pass off a fake as a natural mineral. Of course, copies are often found on sale. Approximately every fifth sample submitted is counterfeit. To insure yourself against purchasing a copy, it is worth keeping in mind some nuances. They will allow you to determine the authenticity of the proposed copy. Usually fakes contain small bubbles. They can be seen even with the naked eye. Natural petersite does not have them.
A uniform color without sudden transitions should raise concerns. You can also check the stone using a needle or pin. If you run them over a natural mineral, nothing will happen. And small shavings will appear on the copy.
How to identify a fake
Petersite is a rare, expensive gem, so it is actively counterfeited. The “understudy” is plastic or painted glass.
But you can distinguish a real stone from a fake:
- A plastic fake is distinguished by rapid heating in the hands and relative lightness.
- Painted glass is identified by internal bubbles, lack of silky shine and standard design.
The equipment is not capable of reproducing the harmony of chaos created by nature in stone.
The “attractive” price should alert you: Petersite is scarce and is not involved in such promotions.
How to care
The hardness of the stone is below average, it is fragile.
Therefore, you need to take care of it delicately:
- Store jewelry in a separate box or box, soft on the inside.
- Jewelry is protected from falls, blows, and harsh sun.
- They are removed before going to the beach, pool, or sauna. Wear after applying makeup.
Clean the gem only when it becomes dirty, without household chemicals or abrasives. It is better to immediately remove dust and residual sweat with a damp cloth.
Stone care
Like any other precious mineral, Petersite requires some care. You definitely need to buy a separate case for it with a fabric base and walls. Store separately from other jewelry, protect from shock, moisture and bright sunlight. When playing sports, it is best to remove jewelry with this gem. It is advisable to do the same when taking a shower, going to the bathhouse or swimming pool. You should not clean the mineral very often and without using abrasive substances. You can carefully remove dust using warm running water.
Price
The formation of the price of the stone was as chaotic as the pattern of its surface. The emergence of Chinese raw materials has reduced the sky-high inaccessibility of Namibian ones, and shipments from neighboring Asian countries have brought prices down to the level of profitability. But only for medium quality raw materials. Premium quality products have never become cheaper and have no upper price limit.
Russian sellers offer to buy products from Petersite and collection material at the following prices (thousand rubles):
- cabochon (23 carats, Namibia) – 4.3;
- Pietersite egg (35x24 mm, Namibia) – 7.2;
- ring (silver) – 3.4–5.9;
- earrings (silver) – 6.7–9.4;
- earrings (gold) – 18–21.
Ring with petersite
Today, a high-quality cabochon in the world costs $100+; a pile of Chinese tumbling can be bought ten times cheaper.
Petersite products
The only direction where Petersite is used is in the manufacture of jewelry. There are a lot of options.
The mineral makes beautiful pendants. The cabochon cut is most often preferred. The stone can only be supplemented with a holder or framed. A pear-shaped form is often found.
A popular product made from Petersite is earrings. Usually a regular geometric shape is preferred, and beads or a combination of beads are often used. Jewelry set in silver or rhodium is more common.
Petersite is used to make bracelets. Most often these are jewelry without metals. They are assembled from round beads, square or rectangular elements. More complex inserts are also used.
Beads and necklaces are also made from petersite. The stone is beautiful in itself, so products are usually not overloaded with unnecessary decorative elements.
Another type of jewelry with petersite is rings. They often prefer to use a large stone and the simplest possible setting that does not distract attention from its beauty.
Petersite is often used alone, although it combines beautifully with other minerals. Its neighbors in jewelry are usually semi-precious stones. It can be blue or blue-pink amethyst, yellow or blue beryl, rauchtopaz.
Petersite is rarely used in men's jewelry. One of the product options for men is cufflinks. Petersite is also inserted into men's rings. Preference is usually given to dark blue stones.
Men's bracelets with Petersite look original and stylish. More often the stone is used as an insert.
Storage and care
Petersite is a stone of unusual beauty. To preserve it, it is important to organize proper care for the mineral or product containing it. The basic rules are:
- Storage in a separate case or box. There should be fabric upholstery on the inside.
- Do not store the mineral with other stones. This is important not only in terms of protection from damage, but also for preserving the natural energy of minerals. Some of them can negatively affect each other.
- Avoid impacts and other mechanical damage.
- Do not leave the mineral in bright sunlight. If you want to sunbathe, then it is better to remove the jewelry.
- Avoid prolonged contact with moisture. Store the stone in a dry place. Jewelry with it should be removed in the shower, bath, swimming pool, while playing sports or other high physical activity.
- Clean as needed. It is better to remove dust and small dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
- Do not use abrasive substances for cleaning.
- To clean the stone, you can use warm running water, then immediately wipe it dry.
Petersit and Zodiac
Astrologers have studied the influence of this mineral on the zodiac signs and found that it is suitable for Leo, Aries, Libra, Capricorn, and Cancer.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | +++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | +++ |
| a lion | +++ |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | +++ |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | +++ |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
The stone also helps other zodiac signs.
Caution will be required from Aquarius. It is better for them to wear jewelry on their hand (bracelet, ring, ring with petersite).
Colors and varieties of Petersite stone
The color range of Petersite depends on the geographical features of the areas where it was discovered. As a rule, it is a yellowish stone. Another common option is a poisonous green tone. Blue and bright blue specimens are less common.
Regardless of color, each stone has an exceptional feature. Its shade cannot be described in monosyllables. The fact is that it is iridescent. As a result, a variety of tones are combined into one rainbow palette. If you look at Petersite from different angles, you will notice its countless veins that differ from each other. This is precisely the uniqueness and originality of the mineral.
Therapeutic effect
Lithotherapists have identified the healing properties of the stone:
- acts as an antipyretic;
- treats the thyroid gland and other endocrine pathologies;
- stabilizes blood pressure;
Petersite in silver protects against external negativity, in gold it neutralizes depression.
- activates brain function: improves memory, strengthens attention, relieves spasms, migraines; helps with dizziness, epileptic attacks (earrings, studs).
The significance of the stone as a powerful sedative is recognized: it extinguishes anger, aggression, the effects of stress, and relieves depression. Improves sleep.
Petersite beads
Interesting facts about Petersite
Petersite is recommended as an amulet for teachers, as well as for everyone involved in active public activities. It calms well, gives moral strength before performances or for teaching young people. In addition, the gem helps a person express his thoughts and captivate listeners with his speech. People around him begin to become interested in such a person and trust him. And he, in turn, becomes successful and gains many supporters and followers.
Magic properties
African sorcerers have been using black petersite for centuries in rituals to establish connections with the other world.
The main “earthly” mission of the stone is to attract negativity intended for the owner (damage, evil eye, magical attacks).
Other magical properties of Petersite are also aimed at maintaining physical and mental well-being:
- It is problematic to piss off the owner of the talisman, plunge him into depression, or lead him off course.
- For men, any silver jewelry helps them make a career, and for ladies, it helps them become more charming.
- The magic of the gem will help the boss make the right decisions and maintain authority among his subordinates. And ordinary workers gain respect among their colleagues.
- A pendant or pendant will make you a speaker and add charisma. This property of Petersite is especially useful for public figures and teachers.
Any piece of jewelry is suitable as a talisman, but a silver ring with a stone is considered the best.
Talismans and amulets
Talismans and amulets made of petersite, which are passed down within the family along the hereditary line or are presented as gifts by loved ones, are especially powerful. Esotericists believe that thanks to such patronage, women will feel incredibly beautiful.
Men will gain confidence, a sense of self-sufficiency, and determination in business. As a talisman, Petersite will save you from any negative energy. If the jewelry is made of silver, it will attract success and public recognition. Gold – helps to find personal happiness and love.
