mineral

Polished tiger’s-eye

Tiger’s-eye, a chatoyant quartz variety; SiO₂ with fibrous pseudomorphic crocidolite/goethite inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to dark brown parallel bands, vitreous-to-silky luster, opaque, and typically lacking visible cleavage. The polished surface shows chatoyancy—a reflective cat’s-eye band caused by aligned fibers.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces fibrous crocidolite asbestos, with iron oxidation producing golden limonite/goethite colors; most material is Precambrian and associated with banded iron formations. Major sources include South Africa, Western Australia, India, and Namibia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and ornamental objects; it is not generally used as a structural or industrial stone.

Geological facts

Its moving, eye-like sheen is strongest when fibers are cut parallel to their length and polished into a convex surface. Blue varieties are called hawk’s-eye; red-brown material is often called bull’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by parallel brown-gold bands and a bright sliding line under direct light; it should scratch glass but not sapphire. Common specimens are widely sold in metaphysical and lapidary markets.