gemstone

Likely tiger’s-eye cabochon earrings

Tiger’s-eye (fibrous quartz, SiO₂), possibly mixed with brown iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished opaque-to-translucent brown spheres with golden chatoyant bands; quartz hardness 7 Mohs, trigonal crystal structure, vitreous-to-silky luster, no cleavage. The photo does not confirm the stone species; similar brown banded materials can look alike.

Identified October 3, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces fibrous crocidolite, with iron oxides producing golden-brown color and chatoyancy. Deposits are chiefly Precambrian, including South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, jewelry, and ornamental objects.

Geological facts

Tiger’s-eye’s shifting silky stripe is caused by reflection from aligned fibers, an optical effect called chatoyancy.

Field identification & locations

Look for a distinct band of light that moves when the stone is tilted; inspect under bright light to distinguish natural fiber structure from glass or imitation. These appear to be polished bead earrings in gold-tone settings.