mineral
Tiger's Eye
Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden brown to reddish-brown, Luster: Silky/Vitreous, Structure: Trigonal/Fibrous, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71, Feature: Chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden brown to reddish-brown, Luster: Silky/Vitreous, Structure: Trigonal/Fibrous, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71, Feature: Chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the replacement of fibrous blue crocidolite asbestos by silica (quartz). This pseudomorphism process results in iron oxides (limonite) providing the gold/brown hues. Found in metamorphic formations.
Uses & applications
Ornamental uses, jewelry (cabochons, beads), tumbled stones for collecting, and lapidary carving.
Geological facts
Tiger's Eye is known for its chatoyancy, a shimmering effect caused by the reflection of light off the parallel mineral fibers. If the stone remains blue during the transformation, it is called Hawk's Eye.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic gold bands and the way the light seems to move across the surface (chatoyancy) when rotated. Primarily found in South Africa and Western Australia.
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