mineral

Tumbled banded tiger’s-eye

Quartz (SiO₂) with fibrous iron oxides, chiefly goethite and/or hematite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; golden-yellow, brown, and dark greenish bands with a silky luster and chatoyant sheen. Microcrystalline quartz; no visible cleavage and typically conchoidal fracture.

Identified September 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; golden-yellow, brown, and dark greenish bands with a silky luster and chatoyant sheen. Microcrystalline quartz; no visible cleavage and typically conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces fibrous crocidolite in altered iron-rich rocks, preserving its texture; geological age varies by deposit. The specimen has been cut and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative objects; also collected as a polished mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Its moving, eye-like band of reflected light is called chatoyancy. The greenish color may reflect natural variation or treatment, which cannot be confirmed from the photo.

Field identification & locations

Recognize tiger’s-eye by its parallel golden-brown bands and shifting silky sheen when tilted; classic material comes from South Africa and Western Australia. A hardness test or gemological inspection can help distinguish it from imitations.