mineral
Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide with Crocidolite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to reddish-brown color with a silky chatoyant luster, and a microcrystalline quartz structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to reddish-brown color with a silky chatoyant luster, and a microcrystalline quartz structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the pseudomorphic replacement of crocidolite asbestos by silica-rich solutions, typically in Precambrian banded iron formations.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, carvings, and decorative ornamentation.
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits a unique optical phenomenon called chatoyancy, creating a moving band of light reminiscent of a cat's eye.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct golden stripes and shimmering light reflection; found notably in South Africa, Australia, and the USA.
