mineral
Tiger's Eye
Silicon dioxide with crocidolite inclusions (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color, silky luster, and a hexagonal crystal system. It exhibits a distinct chatoyant optical effect.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Tiger's Eye in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color, silky luster, and a hexagonal crystal system. It exhibits a distinct chatoyant optical effect.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a pseudomorph when quartz replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite. Found primarily in South Africa and Western Australia.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular collectible tumbled stone.
Geological facts
The golden color results from the oxidation of iron within the original crocidolite fibers. It has been valued as an amulet of protection across various ancient cultures.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its fibrous, cat's-eye chatoyancy and warm striped golden-brown tones. Common in metaphysical shops and lapidary collections.
