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 chatoyant (silky) luster, and a trigonal crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color with chatoyant (silky) luster, and a trigonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz gradually replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite, preserving its chatoyant fibrous structure.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, ornamental carvings, and holistic crystal collections.
Geological facts
Its unique cat's-eye optical effect (chatoyancy) is caused by the parallel arrangement of microscopic quartz fibers.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct golden stripes and silky reflection; commonly sourced from South Africa and Australia.
