mineral

Tiger's Eye

Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Golden brown to black with yellow/gold banding; Luster: Silky; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Fibrous; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71; Notable chatoyancy effect.

Hardness: 6
Color: Golden brown to black with yellow/gold banding
Luster: Silky

Identified June 8, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Golden brown to black with yellow/gold banding; Luster: Silky; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Fibrous; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71; Notable chatoyancy effect.

Formation & geological history

Formed when the mineral crocidolite (blue asbestos) is replaced by silica (quartz) while retaining its fibrous structure through a process called pseudomorphism. Principally occurs in iron formations.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for crystal healing and metaphysical collections.

Geological facts

The optical effect responsible for its shimmer is called chatoyancy, or the 'cat\'s eye' effect. It is a metamorphic transformation that produces the unique golden luster when light reflects off the fibrous inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive golden-brown bands and moving 'light' effect when rotated. Primarily sourced from South Africa and Western Australia. Best identified by its silky luster and hardness.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic