metamorphic

Polished tiger’s-eye / iron-rich jasper

Quartz-rich chalcedony with crocidolite pseudomorphs and iron oxides; possibly brecciated jasper

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7; orange-brown to golden color, glossy polish, opaque, and locally chatoyant or fibrous-looking. Quartz has vitreous luster and no cleavage; hematite/goethite produces the rusty coloration and dark vein network.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished tiger’s-eye / iron-rich jasper
Scientific name: Quartz-rich chalcedony with crocidolite pseudomorphs and iron oxides; possibly brecciated jasper
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$60 for a common polished specimen; $75–$300+ for large, strongly chatoyant, attractive lapidary material.

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

Tiger’s-eye forms when quartz replaces asbestos-like crocidolite fibers, followed by oxidation of iron. The specimen may include jasper or breccia; formation is generally Precambrian, commonly associated with South African iron-rich rocks.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, carvings, ornamental slabs, and lapidary collectibles; polished pieces have modest jewelry and décor value.

Geological facts

The golden sheen results from aligned microscopic fibers and reflected light, not metallic gold. Strongly magnetic behavior, if present, would indicate abundant magnetite or hematite-rich material.

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing for quartz hardness, observing silky bands or chatoyancy, and checking the orange-brown iron staining; South Africa, Australia, India, and Brazil are major sources. The image alone cannot confirm exact composition.