mineral
Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite) - $SiO_2$
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors include golden brown, yellow, and deep red-brown, vitreous to silky luster, hexagonal (trigonal) crystal system, indistinct cleavage, specific gravity of 2.64-2.71.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors include golden brown, yellow, and deep red-brown, vitreous to silky luster, hexagonal (trigonal) crystal system, indistinct cleavage, specific gravity of 2.64-2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz perpetually replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite (riebeckite), preserving its fibrous structure. Found in metamorphic rocks and ancient sedimentary formations.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in cabochons, jewelry, beads, ornamental carvings, and collector specimens.
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits a distinct chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect) caused by the parallel arrangement of quartz fibers reflecting light.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its golden-brown stripes and silky chatoyant sheen. Major deposits are found in South Africa, Western Australia, the USA, and India.
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