mineral
Green Tiger's Eye
Quartz (SiO2) with fibrous crocidolite inclusions (dyed)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Dark forest green with chatoyant bands; Luster: Silky/Vitreous; Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Dark forest green with chatoyant bands
- Luster
- Silky/Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Dark forest green with chatoyant bands; Luster: Silky/Vitreous; Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich fluids replace fibrous crocidolite (asbestos) in iron-rich metamorphic environments. The green color is achieved by chemically dyeing natural golden tiger's eye.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry for beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings, as well as for metaphysical and collecting purposes.
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits a unique optical phenomenon called chatoyancy, created by the reflection of light off the parallel mineral fibers within the quartz. Naturally occurring green tiger's eye is extremely rare; almost all commercial green specimens are dyed.
Field identification & locations
Identify by rotating the stone in light to observe the moving cat's-eye effect. It is naturally found in South Africa, Australia, and Brazil before processing. Collectors look for sharp, distinct bands of light.
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