mineral
Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color with a silky luster, and a microcrystalline quartz crystal structure with chatoyancy.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color with a silky luster, and a microcrystalline quartz crystal structure with chatoyancy.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz perpetually replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite, typically occurring in metamorphic environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, decorative carvings, and as a collector specimen.
Geological facts
The characteristic optical effect, known as chatoyancy, is caused by the parallel intergrowth of quartz crystals and altered amphibole fibers.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field or polished form by its distinct moving band of light (cat's eye effect) and rich golden-brown stripes; commonly sourced from South Africa and Australia.
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