Pietersite and Bronzite

Here is a photo of a cabochon made from Pietersite.

 Here is a cabochon made of Bronzite.

It is very hard for me to tell the difference between Bronzite and Pietersite.  Bronzite does appear (to me) to contain mostly browns and golds though.

Here are the Pietersite beads I received today.  They contain some blues, reds, yellows and gold.  These are stunningly beautiful beads and rival the beauty of bronzite beads.

Here is a greyscale image of the same photo.  These photos do not clearly show the patterns of inclusions but give one a hint of them.

Somsak, a fellow blogger.com Blogger, wrote a terrific article about these stones here:

 http://changems.blogspot.com/2007/04/bronzite.html

Below is an exerpt from his blog which makes one want to learn more and more about these stones!!

 

"...bronzite is the result of weather & geological trauma with Iron & Silica, & that it is the middle sibling in a family of crystals called Pyroxenes. The older & younger stones are Hypersthene & Enstatite.  Hypersthene is the oldest known member of this group.  Hypersthene & Enstatite are Magnesium rich silicate (Quartz) crystals. They're found both in igneous (formed by lava or magma) rocks & on meteorites. Enstatite is a green stone called Chrome-Enstatite (referring to it's Chromium content). Some of the Magnesium in the Hypersthene is replaced by Iron which contributes to it's value as a gemstone. In some Hypersthenes, the Iron molecule divides itself into microscopic thin films of oxides & hydroxides. These zones form natural separations within the crystal's structure. When the crystal is cut & polished along these cleavage zones, they exhibit a metal schiller or cat's eye effect.  Both Enstatite & Hypersthene can also form translucent to transparent orthorhombic crystals. These are often faceted into brown, green & black gemstones.  Bronzite, the middle stone between these 2 gemstones is the result of the weathering of Enstatite & Hypersthene. As wind, rain & other elements break down the soft (but strong) crystals more & more of the Magnesium is replaced by Iron, Hematite & Goethite (Iron derivatives). The final result is a dark black, brown or greenish stone speckled & streaked with golden metallic patterns. Like Hypersthene, the finest Bronzite specimens will also exhibit the shimmering chatoyancy effect known as cats eye. However, even the more common pieces capture the eye with flashes from its metallic composition. Bronzite is also identified/classified as Ferroan Enstatite, though it is physically closer to Hypersthene."

Somsak's article also delves into the metaphysical aspects of Bronzite.  One excerpt says:

"Many live in a state of denial when it comes to the physical impact of emotional pain. Bronzite's high vibrations break through these types of blocks that are preventing you from healing. Be careful, this gemstone's intense nature forces many feelings to the surface. Once you start working with your Bronzite to heal this type of hurt, it will not allow you to turn back."

Somsak has written many other high quality articles with much wisdom and information about many gemstones.  Please check out his blog and articles!

http://changems.blogspot.com