metamorphic

Tiger’s eye

Quartz-rich chatoyant rock, principally SiO₂, with iron-oxide-rich bands; commonly formed by replacement of crocidolite (asbestos-form amphibole).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-yellow, brown, and sometimes blue bands with a silky luster and moving, cat’s-eye-like sheen. Microcrystalline quartz; no prominent cleavage.

Identified September 23, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Tiger’s eye
Scientific name: Quartz-rich chatoyant rock, principally SiO₂, with iron-oxide-rich bands; commonly formed by replacement of crocidolite (asbestos-form amphibole).
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for small polished pieces; larger, vivid, well-patterned specimens or jewelry may cost $30–$200 or more.

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

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-yellow, brown, and sometimes blue bands with a silky luster and moving, cat’s-eye-like sheen. Microcrystalline quartz; no prominent cleavage.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces fibrous crocidolite, preserving its texture, followed in golden varieties by iron-oxide staining. Major deposits formed in ancient rocks, notably the Paleoproterozoic banded iron formations of South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished into beads, cabochons, ornaments, and decorative objects; also collected as a mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Its distinctive chatoyancy comes from aligned, fine fibers that reflect light in a narrow band.

Field identification & locations

Look for parallel golden-brown bands and a bright, shifting silky stripe when the stone is rotated. Important sources include South Africa and Western Australia; a visual identification alone cannot confirm the material.