Petersite (Quartz) Gemstones

  • Hardness

    7.0 on the Mohs scale.

  • Occurrence

    South Africa, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), India, Brazil, Australia and the U.S..

  • Appearance

    Similar in appearance to Hawk's eye, or Tiger's eye. Chatoyancy, appearing in these varieties of quartz, is caused by fibrous inclusions. They are generally cut en cabochon, but is often cut into round pieces for necklaces and pendants. A golden yellow reflection on a brown stone is called tiger's-eye. If the stone is blue-grey or bluish, it's colored by crocidolite, and is known as hawk's-eye. A darker brown, or mahogany-colored stone is known as bull's-eye or ox-eye.

  • Enhancements

    Petersite is not enhanced.

    More information on gemstone enhancements.

  • Gemstone Family

    Petersite is a member of the Quartz gemstone family.