gemstone
Tiger's Eye
Silicon dioxide with crocidolite inclusions, SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with a silky chatoyant luster, trigonal crystal system, and a specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Tiger's Eye in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with a silky chatoyant luster, trigonal crystal system, and a specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a pseudomorph of quartz replacing the mineral crocidolite through metasomatism, primarily in Archean to Proterozoic banded iron formations.
Uses & applications
Widely used in ornamental carvings, cabochons for jewelry, and as a popular collector mineral specimen.
Geological facts
The distinct chatoyancy or cat's-eye effect is caused by parallel intergrowths of quartz crystals and altered amphibole fibers.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic golden-brown bands and shifting band of light when rotated; commonly sourced from South Africa and Western Australia.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Topaz
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
mineral
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary