mineral
Tiger's Eye
Quartz (pseudomorph after crocidolite) - SiO2
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow to golden-brown; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Specific gravity: 2.64-2.71; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Golden-yellow to golden-brown
- Luster
- Silky to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow to golden-brown; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Specific gravity: 2.64-2.71; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through metamorphic processes where fibers of the blue asbestos mineral crocidolite are gradually replaced by chalcedony quartz while retaining the fibrous structure, giving it chatoyancy. Major deposits occur in South Africa, Australia, India, and Brazil.
Uses & applications
Popular semi-precious gemstone used for jewelry, lapidary carvings, tumbled stones, beads, and ornamental items.
Geological facts
Displays a strong optical effect known as chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect), which causes a silky, shimmering streak of light to move across the stone as it is tilted.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive golden-yellow to brown silky banding and cat's-eye effect (chatoyancy) under light. Highly durable and widely available for crystal collectors and jewelry makers.
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