gemstone

Polished tiger’s-eye

Quartz variety, fibrous golden-brown chalcedony; SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; brown to golden chatoyant bands, silky vitreous-to-waxy luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, no obvious cleavage, specific gravity about 2.64–2.71. The elongated piece appears tumbled and polished.

Identified September 4, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when crocidolite asbestos fibers in quartz are pseudomorphed and oxidized, producing golden-brown chatoyancy; most commercial material is Precambrian and comes from South Africa, Western Australia, and Namibia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, worry stones, and decorative objects; it has modest jewelry and collector value.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like sheen is caused by aligned fibrous inclusions reflecting light. Blue-gray material is called hawk’s-eye; red varieties are often heat-treated tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by rotating it under a strong light: a narrow bright band should move across the surface, while its hardness resists scratching by steel. Common sources include South Africa and Australia.