mineral
Tiger's Eye
Quartz with riebeckite inclusions (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, golden to brown color with a chatoyant (silky) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, and 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 a chatoyant (silky) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity of 2.64-2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a pseudomorph of quartz replacing the original mineral crocidolite through low-temperature hydrothermal alteration and oxidation, typically found in metamorphic environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry making, ornamental carvings, beads, and as a popular tumbled stone for collectors and metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
Tiger's eye exhibits a distinct optical phenomenon called chatoyancy or cat's-eye effect, caused by the parallel fibrous structure of the material reflecting light.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its golden-brown stripes and silky moving band of light when rotated. Major deposits are found in South Africa, Australia, India, and the USA.
