mineral

Polished Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s eye quartz; SiO₂ with parallel crocidolite-derived inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to dark brown chatoyant bands, vitreous luster, opaque to translucent, trigonal quartz structure, and no prominent cleavage. The silky reflective stripe is caused by chatoyancy.

Identified August 18, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished Tiger’s Eye 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 blue asbestos-like crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz during weathering and silica-rich alteration, commonly in iron-rich metamorphic rocks. Major deposits are Precambrian, especially in South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive jewelry; valued mainly as a decorative gemstone.

Geological facts

Its moving band of reflected light resembles a cat’s eye and is strongest when the stone is cut parallel to the fibrous structure. Natural tiger’s eye commonly grades from golden yellow to reddish-brown.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its silky, mobile light band, brown-gold parallel fibers, moderate weight, and resistance to scratching by steel; glass imitations usually lack natural banding. Common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and Namibia.