gemstone

Tiger’s-eye pendant

Chatoyant quartz, primarily fibrous quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite; SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to reddish-brown silky chatoyancy, vitreous-to-silky luster, opaque, with no prominent cleavage and granular/fibrous microstructure. The elongated polished piece is mounted as jewelry.

Identified August 31, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Tiger’s-eye pendant in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when blue asbestos-like crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz while retaining their fibrous structure; iron oxidation produces the golden-brown color. It is mainly associated with Precambrian rocks, especially in South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, pendants, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects; valued for its cat’s-eye optical effect. It has little industrial use beyond decorative quartz products.

Geological facts

The moving band of light is chatoyancy, caused by reflection from aligned fibers. Blue-gray hawk’s-eye and red pietersite are related varieties.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its silky, single-line light band that shifts when rotated, moderate hardness, and golden-brown parallel fibers; glass imitations usually lack the natural fibrous pattern. Common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and Namibia.