mineral

Tiger's Eye

Silicon dioxide with crocidolite inclusions (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown-yellow color, silky luster, microcrystalline quartz structure with fibrous chatoyancy, specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71.

Identified July 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown-yellow color, silky luster, microcrystalline quartz structure with fibrous chatoyancy, specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71.

Formation & geological history

Formed when quartz prematurely replaces crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers, preserving their fibrous structure while oxidizing the iron, resulting in the golden-brown color. Found in metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Widely used in ornamental carvings, cabochons for jewelry, and as a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Tiger's eye exhibits chatoyancy, an optical reflectance effect that creates a moving band of light reminiscent of a cat's eye as the stone is rotated.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinctive golden-brown stripes and silky chatoyant sheen. Major deposits are found in South Africa, Western Australia, India, and the USA.