mineral
Tiger's Eye (Tumbled)
Silicified Riebeckite (SiO2 with Iron inclusions)
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: golden brown to reddish-brown with yellow stripes; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Structure: Trigonal; Chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect).
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- golden brown to reddish-brown with yellow stripes
- Luster
- Silky to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: golden brown to reddish-brown with yellow stripes; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Structure: Trigonal; Chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect).
Formation & geological history
Forms when quartz replaces crocidolite (blue asbestos) through a process called pseudomorphism, while maintaining the fibrous structure. Found primarily in metamorphic iron formations.
Uses & applications
Extensively used for jewelry, beads, cabochons, carvings, and as a popular collectible for its chatoyant optical effect.
Geological facts
The chatoyancy is caused by the reflection of light off the parallel mineral fibers within the stone. If the fibers remain unsilicified, it is known as Pietersite.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive golden-brown bands and the way the light shimmer moves across the surface as the stone is tilted. Commonly found in South Africa and Australia.
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