mineral

Tiger’s-eye fragment

Chatoyant quartz, SiO₂, with pseudomorphic iron-oxide fibers

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-golden fibrous appearance with silky chatoyancy; vitreous to silky luster, conchoidal fracture, no obvious cleavage, Mohs hardness about 6.5–7, and specific gravity near 2.6–2.7. The pictured piece appears rough or partially polished and may include associated limonite/goethite.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when crocidolite asbestos fibers in quartz are replaced by silica and oxidized to iron oxides, typically during hydrothermal alteration. Most commercial material comes from Precambrian rocks of South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and small decorative specimens; it has little industrial importance compared with ordinary quartz.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like reflective band is caused by aligned fibrous inclusions. Blue crocidolite-rich material is called hawk’s-eye; golden-brown oxidized material is tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its parallel fibers, golden-brown bands, and strong line of light that shifts when rotated; quartz hardness should scratch glass. Common localities include South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and Namibia.