gemstone

Polished tiger’s-eye and jasper specimen

Quartz (SiO₂), chiefly fibrous chatoyant quartz, with iron-oxide-rich jasper/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 (quartz); golden-brown bands show silky chatoyancy, while the darker brown material is opaque and earthy to subvitreous. The specimen appears polished or tumbled, obscuring natural crystal faces and cleavage.

Identified August 14, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Tiger’s-eye forms when crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz and iron oxides during low-grade alteration, commonly in Precambrian metamorphic rocks; associated jasper forms from silica- and iron-rich sedimentary or hydrothermal material. Major deposits occur in South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and collector specimens; jasper is also used decoratively and occasionally as aggregate.

Geological facts

The golden sheen results from reflection along aligned microscopic fibers, producing chatoyancy similar to a cat’s eye. Blue hawk’s-eye is the less-oxidized precursor to golden tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its parallel silky bands, golden-to-brown color, opaque body, and glassy hardness; a polished surface and fibrous chatoyant sheen distinguish it from ordinary brown jasper. The image is too limited for precise species identification.