mineral

Tiger’s-eye

Chatoyant quartz (SiO₂), commonly pseudomorphic quartz after crocidolite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to reddish-brown bands, silky luster, and strong chatoyancy (cat’s-eye effect) caused by aligned fibrous inclusions. It has a trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage, and specific gravity around 2.64–2.71.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces altered blue asbestos (crocidolite) fibers during hydrothermal alteration, preserving their alignment; deposits are generally Precambrian in age. Major sources include South Africa, Western Australia, India, Brazil, and Namibia.

Uses & applications

Cut into cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects; also sold as a collectible and metaphysical stone. It has little structural or industrial use compared with ordinary quartz.

Geological facts

The specimen’s reflective band shifts across its surface when rotated under light, distinguishing genuine tiger’s-eye from uniformly colored glass or dyed stone.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its parallel golden chatoyant bands, moderate hardness, and resistance to scratching by steel; a magnifying glass may reveal fibrous structure. Typical rough pieces sell for $5–$30; attractive cabochons or large, high-chatoyancy specimens may reach $50–$200.