mineral

Tiger’s-eye

Quartz variety; fibrous pseudomorph of quartz after crocidolite, SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Golden-brown, polished/worn fragment with silky chatoyancy; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, vitreous to silky luster, trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Identified August 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Golden-brown, polished/worn fragment with silky chatoyancy; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, vitreous to silky luster, trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Formation & geological history

Forms when crocidolite asbestos fibers are replaced by quartz during low-temperature alteration, preserving the fibrous texture; commonly associated with Precambrian rocks, especially the ~2.0-billion-year-old deposits of South Africa.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochon jewelry, carvings, beads, ornamental objects, and inexpensive collector specimens.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like band is caused by reflection from aligned microscopic fibers; golden tiger’s-eye may grade into blue hawk’s-eye and red tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the sharp reflective band that shifts when rotated, fibrous grain, brown-gold color, and quartz-like hardness; major sources include South Africa, Western Australia, India, and Namibia.