gemstone
Tiger's Eye
Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; golden-yellow to brown color with contrasting bands; silky to vitreous luster; microcrystalline crystal structure; specific gravity around 2.64-2.71
Identified More gemstone →
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-yellow to brown color with contrasting bands; silky to vitreous luster; microcrystalline crystal structure; specific gravity around 2.64-2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz chemically replaces the mineral crocidolite (blue asbestos) while preserving its fibrous structure, typically occurring in metamorphic environments
Uses & applications
Commonly used in cabochons, beads, jewelry, ornamental carvings, and holistic healing practices
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits a unique chatoyant (cat's-eye) effect caused by the parallel arrangement of quartz fibers reflecting light
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct golden-brown stripes and silky chatoyancy; primarily mined in South Africa and Western Australia
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)
Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)
gemstone