gemstone
Tiger’s eye
Quartz variety with fibrous crocidolite-derived inclusions; chiefly SiO₂
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGolden-brown, silky chatoyant bands; hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; trigonal quartz structure. The small polished piece appears to be a tumbled or cut gemstone.
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Physical properties
Golden-brown, silky chatoyant bands; hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; trigonal quartz structure. The small polished piece appears to be a tumbled or cut gemstone.
Formation & geological history
Forms as silica replaces and preserves fibrous crocidolite during alteration, producing its reflective bands. Major deposits, especially in South Africa and Western Australia, formed in ancient Precambrian rocks.
Uses & applications
Used in beads, cabochons, carvings, and ornamental objects; also collected as an attractive, relatively affordable gemstone.
Geological facts
Its moving band of light, called chatoyancy, resembles a cat’s eye and is caused by aligned fibrous inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its golden-to-brown parallel bands and shifting silky sheen when tilted; it is commonly found in South Africa, Australia, and India.
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