gemstone

Tiger’s-eye (likely a polished or carved tiger’s-eye piece)

Quartz variety with fibrous crocidolite-replacement structure; SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; golden-brown bands and silky chatoyancy, vitreous to silky luster, trigonal quartz structure, no cleavage. The small object’s exact material is uncertain from the image.

Identified September 25, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Tiger’s-eye (likely a polished or carved tiger’s-eye piece) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; golden-brown bands and silky chatoyancy, vitreous to silky luster, trigonal quartz structure, no cleavage. The small object’s exact material is uncertain from the image.

Formation & geological history

Forms as silica replaces fibrous crocidolite, preserving its structure; commonly occurs in iron-rich metamorphic rocks, notably in South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and inexpensive jewelry or ornaments.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like band of reflected light is called chatoyancy.

Field identification & locations

Look for golden-brown parallel bands that shift with viewing angle; confirm by examining the material closely, since the pictured object is too small to identify confidently. Common material is widely available.