Rock Identifier
Tiger's Eye (Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite) - SiO2) — mineral
mineral

Tiger's Eye

Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite) - SiO2

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Golden-brown, yellow-brown, with bands of dark brown; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71

Hardness
7 on the Mohs scale
Color
Golden-brown, yellow-brown, with bands of dark brown
Luster
Silky to vitreous
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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Golden-brown, yellow-brown, with bands of dark brown; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed as a metamorphic pseudomorph when quartz replaces the original fibrous mineral crocidolite (blue asbestos), retaining its fibrous structure.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, polished stones, and metaphysical collections.

Geological facts

Tiger's eye exhibits a unique chatoyancy (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 chatoyant sheen. Commonly found in South Africa, Western Australia, the USA, and India.

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