mineral

Tiger’s-eye (likely rough chatoyant quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂, with fibrous pseudomorphic alteration of crocidolite (often called tiger’s-eye)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to reddish-brown, vitreous to silky luster, opaque, with fibrous banding and possible chatoyancy. The specimen appears rough and layered, though exact identification is uncertain from the image alone.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tiger’s-eye (likely rough chatoyant quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz, SiO₂, with fibrous pseudomorphic alteration of crocidolite (often called tiger’s-eye)
Category: mineral
Identified: September 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a rough common piece; $20–$150+ if strongly chatoyant, attractive, or suitable for cutting.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces weathered, fibrous crocidolite during hydrothermal alteration, preserving its parallel texture; major deposits are associated with Precambrian rocks of South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished for cabochons, carvings, beads, and ornamental objects; rough pieces are commonly collected. It has little industrial value compared with ordinary quartz.

Geological facts

The distinctive moving “cat’s-eye” sheen results from aligned fibers reflecting light. Red varieties are commonly called bull’s-eye or red tiger’s-eye and may reflect natural oxidation or heating.

Field identification & locations

Look for parallel golden-brown fibers, silky luster, and chatoyancy when a light is moved across the surface; a glass-scratching test can support quartz identification, but should be avoided on valuable specimens. Commonly found in South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia.