gemstone

Tiger's Eye (Hawk's Eye / Falcon's Eye)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) pseudomorph after Crocidolite (Riebeckite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow, brown, and bluish-gray bands; Luster: Silky to vitreous when polished; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz aggregate); Specific gravity: ~2.64 - 2.71; Notable chatoyant (cat's-eye) effect.

Hardness: 6
Color: Golden yellow, brown, and bluish-gray bands
Luster: Silky to vitreous when polished

Identified October 3, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the epithermal alteration and silicification of parallel fibrous amphibole (crocidolite asbestos) fibers into quartz, while partially oxidizing iron minerals (yielding yellow-gold tiger's eye, with unoxidized or partially altered sections showing blue-gray hawk's eye). Major deposits date from the Precambrian.

Uses & applications

Extensively used as an ornamental carving stone, lapidary gemstone for cabochons, beads, decorative polished eggs/spheres, and spiritual/metaphysical collector pieces.

Geological facts

Long thought to be a simple replacement pseudomorph, modern research suggests tiger's eye formed by a crack-seal vein-filling process where quartz synchronously grew alongside crocidolite fibers. Roman soldiers wore tiger's eye for courage and protection in battle.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its distinct optical chatoyancy (shimmering bands that move as the specimen rotates under direct light) and fibrous banded texture. Major localities include the Northern Cape Province in South Africa and Western Australia.