mineral

Polished tiger’s-eye cabochon

Tiger’s eye, mainly fibrous quartz (SiO₂) pseudomorphically replacing crocidolite; commonly associated with iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to dark brown chatoyant bands, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and no obvious cleavage. The polished surface shows a silky reflective band that moves with the light (chatoyancy); specific gravity is approximately 2.64–2.71.

Identified August 28, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished tiger’s-eye cabochon
Scientific name: Tiger’s eye, mainly fibrous quartz (SiO₂) pseudomorphically replacing crocidolite; commonly associated with iron oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: August 28, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a small polished cabochon; approximately $30–$150 for larger, exceptionally chatoyant specimens.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces fibrous riebeckite/crocidolite during low-temperature alteration, with oxidation producing its golden-brown color. Major deposits occur in Precambrian rocks, especially South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochon jewelry, beads, carvings, paperweights, and ornamental objects; it is valued primarily as a decorative gemstone.

Geological facts

Its cat’s-eye effect results from parallel mineral fibers or channels reflecting light. Blue-gray material is called hawk’s-eye, while red varieties are commonly called red tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its brown-gold parallel bands and mobile, silky light streak; it is opaque and should not show transparent quartz-like clarity. Common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and the United States.