mineral

Tiger's Eye

Quartz with riebeckite inclusions (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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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.