mineral

Polished tiger’s-eye pebble

Quartz (SiO₂), chatoyant fibrous variety; commonly partly altered crocidolite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to dark brown bands with silky, reflective chatoyancy; vitreous to silky luster, typically microcrystalline and without visible cleavage. Specific gravity is about 2.6–2.7.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished tiger’s-eye pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when fibrous blue asbestos (crocidolite) is replaced by quartz during hydrothermal alteration, preserving the fibers and producing the cat’s-eye effect. Most gem material formed in Precambrian rocks, especially South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Commonly tumbled, carved, and used in cabochon jewelry, beads, ornaments, and metaphysical collections; usually inexpensive.

Geological facts

The bright band moves across the surface when the stone is rotated relative to light, caused by aligned fibers. This small specimen appears polished or tumbled rather than naturally weathered.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its golden chatoyant stripe, brown-gold color, quartz-like hardness, and lack of cleavage; distinguish it from brown glass by its natural fibrous banding and cooler feel. Major sources include South Africa, Australia, India, and Thailand.