metamorphic

Tumbled tiger’s-eye or iron-rich jasper

Quartz-rich chalcedony/jasper with fibrous crocidolite-derived tiger’s-eye and iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; dark brown to black with golden-yellow streaks, opaque, and vitreous to waxy luster. The rounded, polished surface obscures its original texture; chatoyant bands would support tiger’s-eye, while patchy coloration suggests jasper.

Identified September 3, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled tiger’s-eye or iron-rich jasper
Scientific name: Quartz-rich chalcedony/jasper with fibrous crocidolite-derived tiger’s-eye and iron oxides
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 3, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a palm-sized polished common specimen; $30–$100+ if strongly chatoyant, attractively patterned, or from a documented locality.

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

Formation & geological history

Tiger’s-eye forms when crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz and colored by iron oxidation; jasper forms from silica-rich sediment or volcanic material later cemented and altered. Precise age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary stone for cabochons, beads, carvings, and polished specimens; common material has modest decorative value.

Geological facts

Golden chatoyancy results from aligned fibers reflecting light, whereas red-brown areas are typically hematite or limonite. The specimen may also be brecciated jasper rather than true tiger’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Look for a sharp, moving silky band when viewed under directional light, hardness near quartz, and no fizz with dilute acid. Common sources include South Africa, Namibia, Australia, India, and Brazil.