mineral

Likely tumbled tiger’s eye

Quartz (SiO₂) with fibrous crocidolite pseudomorphed by quartz; iron oxides produce the golden-brown color

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; golden-brown with a silky luster and chatoyant bands. The small, polished specimen appears to show a reflective band, though the image is not clear enough for certain identification.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces crocidolite fibers, commonly during low-grade metamorphic alteration. Its geological age depends on the deposit; major sources include ancient iron-rich formations.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and inexpensive jewelry or collectibles.

Geological facts

Tiger’s eye’s moving, cat-eye-like sheen is called chatoyancy and is strongest when cut or polished in the correct orientation.

Field identification & locations

Look for parallel golden and dark-brown bands whose bright sheen shifts as the stone moves; common sources include South Africa and Western Australia. Similar polished stones can be confused with other banded quartz or glass.