mineral
Tiger's Eye
Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color, silky luster, hexagonal crystal system, and distinct chatoyant bandings.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden-brown to yellow-brown color, silky luster, hexagonal crystal system, and distinct chatoyant bandings.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz gradually replaces the fibrous mineral crocidolite through hydrothermal alteration and oxidation.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and holistic crystal collections for its chatoyant optical effect.
Geological facts
The shimmering golden bands are caused by parallel inclusions of altered amphibole fibers within the quartz matrix.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct cat-eye shimmer that moves across the surface when rotated under light; found globally in South Africa, Australia, and the USA.
