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 bands, silky luster, trigonal crystal system, and specific gravity around 2.64-2.71.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color with bands, silky luster, trigonal crystal system, and specific gravity around 2.64-2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz perpetually replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite through silica-rich solutions altering iron-rich blue asbestos.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, carvings, and ornamental decorative items.
Geological facts
Exhibits chatoyancy, an optical reflectance effect resembling the slit eye of a tiger, due to its parallel fibrous structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive golden striped bands and silky chatoyant sheen; primarily mined in South Africa and Western Australia.
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