metamorphic
Tiger's Eye (Rough / Raw)
Silicified Crocidolite Pseudomorph (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Golden-brown, amber, brown, and bluish grey. Luster: Silky to vitreous. Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz replacing fibrous amphibole). Cleavage: None (fibrous fracture). Specific gravity: 2.64 - 2.71.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Golden-brown, amber, brown, and bluish grey
- Luster
- Silky to vitreous
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Tiger's Eye (Rough / Raw) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Golden-brown, amber, brown, and bluish grey. Luster: Silky to vitreous. Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz replacing fibrous amphibole). Cleavage: None (fibrous fracture). Specific gravity: 2.64 - 2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed through a metamorphic pseudomorphosis process where quartz gradually replaces fibrous crocidolite (blue asbestos) while retaining its parallel fibrous structure, creating chatoyancy.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary work for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental sculptures, and jewelry, as well as being a popular gemstone for collectors.
Geological facts
The shimmering cat's-eye effect is called chatoyancy. When blue crocidolite is only partially replaced, it forms a mixture of blue (Hawk's Eye) and golden-brown Tiger's Eye as seen in this specimen.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinctive parallel fibrous texture, silky reflection, and characteristic golden-brown to blue-grey banded color. Commonly found in South Africa, Western Australia, Namibia, and India.
More like this
