mineral

Polished tiger’s-eye

Chatoyant quartz, mainly fibrous crocidolite pseudomorphed by quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to blue-gray bands with a silky, reflective chatoyancy, vitreous luster, and no prominent cleavage. It has a trigonal quartz structure and specific gravity near 2.65.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces fibrous crocidolite during weathering and oxidation, preserving the fibers that produce the cat’s-eye effect. Most gem-quality material comes from Precambrian rocks of South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, jewelry, and ornamental objects; polished pieces are popular inexpensive collectibles.

Geological facts

The moving bright band is caused by aligned microscopic fibers reflecting light. Blue-gray material is called hawk’s-eye, while iron oxidation commonly transforms it into golden tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its parallel silky bands and a sharp light band that moves when the stone is rotated; glass imitations usually lack natural fiber texture. Common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and the United States.