mineral
Tiger's Eye
Silicon dioxide with crocidolite inclusion (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to brown color, silky luster, and a microcrystalline quartz crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to brown color, silky luster, and a microcrystalline quartz crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a pseudomorph when quartz replaces the original fibrous mineral crocidolite, typically occurring in metamorphic environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in ornamental jewelry, carved decorative objects, and as a popular collector specimen.
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits a distinct chatoyancy, an optical reflectance effect that resembles the slit eye of a tiger.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its golden-brown stripes and silky chatoyant sheen; commonly sourced from South Africa and Western Australia.
