Mineral

Tiger's Eye

Silicon dioxide with crocidolite fibers (SiO2 with chrysotile amphibole inclusions)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Golden to reddish-brown with chatoyant bands. Luster: Silky. Crystal structure: Trigonal (fibrous aggregate). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71. The distinctive chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) is due to parallel intergrowth of quartz and altered amphibole fibers.

Hardness: 6
Color: Golden to reddish-brown with chatoyant bands
Luster: Silky

Identified November 1, 2025More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Tiger's Eye forms when quartz replaces crocidolite asbestos (a fibrous blue amphibole mineral) while retaining the original fibrous structure. Over time, the iron in the crocidolite oxidized, creating the golden-brown color. This process is known as pseudomorphism. Most deposits are found in Precambrian metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in cabochons, beads (as seen in the image), carvings, and other ornamental objects. Its unique chatoyancy makes it popular for jewelry. Also sought after by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Tiger's Eye is closely related to Hawk's Eye (blue variety, where the crocidolite has not fully oxidized) and is sometimes heat-treated to create a red variety known as Red Tiger's Eye or Dragon's Eye. It has been used for centuries as a protective stone believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The largest deposits are found in South Africa.

Field identification & locations

Identify it in the field by its distinctive golden-brown to reddish-brown color, silky luster, and the prominent, movable band of light (chatoyancy) that appears to glide across its surface when tilted, resembling a cat's eye. It often occurs in massive form. Commonly found in South Africa, Western Australia, India, and China. Look for fibrous chatoyant quartz in metamorphic rock formations.

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