Pietersite: A 180-Million-Year-Old Legacy of Power and Protection

Nature’s Cat’s Eye: The Origin of a Living Fossil

Over 180 million years old, Pietersite is one of nature’s most dramatic creations. Its captivating cat’s eye effect is caused by the directional arrangement of fibrous internal structures, resulting in a stone that seems to shimmer with storm-born energy.

In African tribal culture, Pietersite is revered as the “tears of the storm god”, believed to ward off bad luck and protect the soul. In the West, its stunning interweaving of golden, dark blue, and reddish-brown hues has earned it a place in the hearts of serious collectors as a “living fossil” of the jewelry world.

Each stone tells a story of ancient storms, preserved in crystalline time.

Endangered Beauty: A Gem at Risk

Pietersite’s beauty is so rare that it has sparked concern among conservationists. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) previously placed it on its "Restricted Trading List" due to fears of over-mining.

And in 2024, Nature Magazine ranked Pietersite #1 in the "Top Ten Endangered Gems", citing its non-renewable supply and geological fragility.

Hythe’s Uncompromising Craft

At Hythe, we honor the rarity of Pietersite with slow, ethical craftsmanship. Every bracelet is hand-polished from gem-grade rough, carefully selected for its brilliance and structure.

Because of nature’s chaotic artistry, no two Hythe Pietersite bracelets are alike. Each piece is a wearable one-of-one—a true natural heirloom.