metamorphic

Polished tiger’s-eye

Tiger’s-eye, a quartz-rich variety of crocidolite pseudomorph (SiO₂ with iron oxides)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque golden-brown to reddish-brown bands with a silky luster and chatoyance. Microcrystalline quartz; no visible cleavage, uneven to splintery fracture; specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Identified September 25, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces fibrous crocidolite, preserving its structure; iron oxidation produces brown and gold colors. Major deposits occur in South Africa and Australia; the process is ancient, commonly associated with Precambrian rocks.

Uses & applications

Polished pieces are used in jewelry, carvings, and ornamental objects; it is also collected as a decorative gemstone.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like band of reflected light is called chatoyance and is strongest when cut or polished in the right orientation.

Field identification & locations

Look for parallel bands and a shifting silky sheen when the stone is tilted; common sources include South Africa, Australia, and India. The image shows a small polished, banded specimen.