Rock Identifier
Tiger's Eye (Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite)) — mineral
mineral

Tiger's Eye

Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with contrasting dark bands, silky luster, and a microcrystalline fibrous crystal structure.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with contrasting dark bands, silky luster, and a microcrystalline fibrous crystal structure.

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces the original fibrous mineral crocidolite through hydrothermal alteration and fluid deposition over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, bead-making, and metaphysical crystal collections.

Geological facts

Tiger's eye exhibits a distinct optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy, creating a moving band of light reminiscent of a cat's eye.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its signature golden-brown stripes and silky sheen; commonly sourced from South Africa, Western Australia, and the USA.