gemstone
Tiger's Eye
Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite (SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7; colors include golden brown, yellow, and brown; silky to vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7; colors include golden brown, yellow, and brown; silky to vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz chemically replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite (riebeckite) during low-temperature hydrothermal conditions or weathering over millions of years
Uses & applications
Used primarily for jewelry, cabochons, beads, ornamental carvings, and holistic collecting
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits chatoyancy, an optical reflectance effect resembling the slit of a cat's eye, caused by the parallel arrangement of quartz fibers
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive silky golden-brown bands and chatoyant light reflection; commonly sourced from South Africa, Western Australia, and the USA
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