mineral

Tiger's Eye

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Golden to red-brown. Luster: Silky. Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz aggregate). Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.64-2.71. Displays strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Golden to red-brown
Luster: Silky

Identified July 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when quartz replaces fibrous crocidolite (blue asbestos) amphibole fibers through a process called pseudomorphism, while preserving the original fibrous structure. Highly common in iron-rich metamorphic and sedimentary formations.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry (beads, cabochons, carved ornaments), decorative objects, metaphysical healing crystals, and lapidary collections.

Geological facts

Tiger's eye is famous for its chatoyant optical effect caused by parallel fibers of quartz intergrown with amphibole fibers or iron oxide inclusions. When heat-treated, brown/golden tiger's eye turns deep red.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive silky, golden-brown banding and silky shimmer when rotated under light. Major commercial sources include South Africa, Western Australia, India, Brazil, and Namibia.