Mineral

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye (Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite), SiO2

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Golden to red-brown; Luster: Silky; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Fibrous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71

Hardness: 6
Color: Golden to red-brown
Luster: Silky

Identified April 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Golden to red-brown; Luster: Silky; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Fibrous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through a pseudomorphic process where quartz replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite (blue asbestos). The iron within the fibers oxidizes, resulting in the golden-brown color and chatoyant effect.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular semi-precious collector stone.

Geological facts

It exhibits a phenomenon called chatoyancy (the cat-eye effect). If the asbestos fibers are not oxidized and remain blue, the stone is known as Hawk's Eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by moving the stone under a light source to observe the 'shimmering' bands that shift position. Common locations include South Africa, Western Australia, USA, and India.

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