metamorphic

Tiger’s-eye schist (likely golden amphibole-bearing schist)

Quartz–mica schist with fibrous amphibole, commonly riebeckite/crocidolite-derived material

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray to black, fine-grained and strongly foliated, with elongated golden reflective bands; silky to submetallic luster. Typical hardness is about 5–7, depending on quartz and amphibole content; cleavage is strong along foliation, and density is approximately 2.7–3.3.

Identified September 12, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Tiger’s-eye schist (likely golden amphibole-bearing schist)
Scientific name: Quartz–mica schist with fibrous amphibole, commonly riebeckite/crocidolite-derived material
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$50 for a common slab or rough piece; $50–$200+ for attractively polished, strongly chatoyant specimens.

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

Formed when quartz-rich or iron-rich sedimentary/protolithic rock underwent regional metamorphism, aligning mica and amphibole minerals; age depends on locality and may range from Precambrian to Paleozoic. The golden chatoyant appearance can result from altered fibrous amphibole, producing tiger’s-eye-like streaks.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary, ornamental, and collector stone; slabs and cabochons may be polished for decorative objects and jewelry. It has limited construction use compared with ordinary schist.

Geological facts

The parallel fibers can reflect light in a directional, silky “cat’s-eye” effect when polished. True tiger’s-eye is chiefly quartz pseudomorphically replacing crocidolite, whereas this specimen appears more schistose and may be tiger’s-eye-bearing schist.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by pronounced planar foliation, platy or fibrous texture, and golden bands that flash when tilted; a streak test and thin-section examination can distinguish amphibole from mica. Comparable material occurs in South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and parts of North America.