gemstone

Tiger’s eye pendant

Quartz (SiO₂) with parallel crocidolite-derived fibers; commonly called tiger’s eye

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished brown-and-gold stone with chatoyant bands and vitreous-to-silky luster. Mohs hardness about 7; trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage; specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Identified October 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Polished brown-and-gold stone with chatoyant bands and vitreous-to-silky luster. Mohs hardness about 7; trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage; specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces fibrous crocidolite, preserving its structure; iron oxidation produces the golden-brown color. It occurs in metamorphosed iron-rich rocks, notably in South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for pendants, beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings; valued as an affordable ornamental gemstone.

Geological facts

Its shifting, eye-like band of reflected light is called chatoyancy and is strongest when cut and polished as a cabochon.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the silky, moving golden bands across a brown stone; distinguish it from uniformly colored brown quartz by this chatoyancy. The image appears to show a polished tiger’s-eye cabochon in a pendant setting.