metamorphic
Green Tiger's Eye
Silicified Crocidolite (Quartz variety, SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Vibrant green (usually dyed); Luster: Silky/Vitreous; Structure: Trigonal/Fibrous; Features: Chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) caused by fibrous inclusions.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Vibrant green (usually dyed)
- Luster
- Silky/Vitreous
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Vibrant green (usually dyed); Luster: Silky/Vitreous; Structure: Trigonal/Fibrous; Features: Chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) caused by fibrous inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the pseudomorphism of quartz after the mineral crocidolite. While the base tiger's eye is a metamorphic rock formed in iron-rich hydrothermal environments, the green color in most commercial beads is achieved through chemical dyeing of the natural golden-brown stone.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry making, lapidary arts, prayer beads (Misbaha), and as a healing stone in metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
Natural tiger's eye is almost always golden-yellow to brown; vibrant green specimens like those in the image are almost universally dyed to enhance their aesthetic appeal for the jewelry market. It is known for its 'chatoyancy', which comes from the Greek word for 'to glow like a cat's eye'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct silky luster and the bands of light that move across the surface when rotated. Commonly found in South Africa, Australia, and Thailand. For collectors, look for high-quality polishing and strong light reflection in the bands.
More like this
