mineral

Tiger’s eye rough specimen

Tiger’s eye, chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide inclusions; a pseudomorphic variety of quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Golden-brown color with silky, chatoyant bands; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, vitreous to silky luster, trigonal quartz structure, and no prominent cleavage. The image shows a rough, partly translucent piece with fibrous-looking banding.

Identified September 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces crocidolite (blue asbestos) while preserving its fibrous texture; iron oxidation produces the gold-brown color. Major deposits occur in South Africa and Western Australia, in ancient Precambrian rocks.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished for cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects; also collected as rough mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like stripe is called chatoyancy and is strongest when cut across the aligned fibers.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the golden silky bands that shift with the viewing angle and hardness near 7; common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia. The specimen appears to be rough tiger’s eye, though a photo cannot confirm its identity.