metamorphic

Polished tiger’s eye

Quartz variety, SiO₂, with parallel fibrous amphibole pseudomorphs (crocidolite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to reddish-brown silky bands, vitreous-to-waxy luster, cryptocrystalline quartz, and chatoyant “cat’s-eye” sheen. No obvious cleavage; specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Identified September 2, 2026More metamorphic →

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 quartz replaces fibrous blue asbestos (crocidolite) during low-grade alteration, preserving its parallel structure; commonly Precambrian in age. The specimen is tumbled and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive jewelry; not generally used as a construction stone.

Geological facts

Its moving band of reflected light is called chatoyancy and is strongest when cut or polished parallel to the fibers. Brown-gold tiger’s eye is commonly associated with blue hawk’s-eye and red tiger’s eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its undulating golden-brown bands and directional cat’s-eye flash, especially under a focused light. Major sources include South Africa, Western Australia, India, Namibia, and Thailand.