mineral
Tiger's Eye (specifically Hawk's Eye or Multicolored Tiger's Iron)
Silicon Dioxide with Crocidolite inclusions (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, Color: Golden-brown, yellow, blue, and gray striped, Luster: Silky to vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, Color: Golden-brown, yellow, blue, and gray striped, Luster: Silky to vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz)
Formation & geological history
Formed as crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers are gradually replaced by silica-rich solutions over millions of years
Uses & applications
Jewelry, ornamental carvings, and crystal healing specimens
Geological facts
The chatoyant effect (the 'cat's eye' shimmer) is caused by the parallel arrangement of quartz fibers reflecting light
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive fibrous banding and chatoyancy; commonly sourced from South Africa and Western Australia
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