gemstone
Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz with crocidolite inclusions), SiO2
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with contrasting bands, silky luster, trigonal crystal system, indistinct cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.64-2.71.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with contrasting bands, silky luster, trigonal crystal system, indistinct cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.64-2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a pseudomorph of quartz replacing the original mineral crocidolite (blue asbestos) through the introduction of silica-rich solutions.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, ornamental carvings, beads, and as a polished collector's stone.
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits chatoyancy, a striking cat's-eye optical effect caused by the parallel fibrous structure of the material.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its golden-brown stripes and silky, moving light reflection when tumbled or polished; commonly sourced from South Africa and Western Australia.
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