mineral
Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite) - SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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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