gemstone

Tiger's Eye

Silicon Dioxide with Crocidolite inclusions (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Golden to brown-yellow with chatoyancy (cat's eye effect). Luster: Silky to vitreous. Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Golden to brown-yellow with chatoyancy (cat's eye effect)
Luster: Silky to vitreous

Identified July 28, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Tiger's Eye in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when quartz pseudomorphs after crocidolite asbestos, as silica solutions replace the original fibrous mineral while preserving its fibrous structure. Found globally in metamorphic and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, as cabochons, beads, carved ornamental objects, and holistic crystal healing.

Geological facts

Tiger's eye is a classic example of chatoyancy, where light reflecting off the parallel fibrous inclusions creates a moving band of light reminiscent of a cat's eye. Ancient Roman soldiers wore it to protect them in battle.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its golden-brown stripes and characteristic chatoyant shimmer when moved in the light. Major deposits are found in South Africa, Australia, India, and the USA.

Other gemstone specimens

See all

Diamond and Gold Jewelry

Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)

gemstone

Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

gemstone

Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)

Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)

gemstone

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone