mineral

Tumbled tiger’s-eye quartz

Quartz (SiO₂) with fibrous crocidolite-derived inclusions; tiger’s-eye variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; golden-brown bands with a silky chatoyant sheen; trigonal quartz crystal structure, no visible cleavage. The specimen is polished and rounded.

Identified September 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; golden-brown bands with a silky chatoyant sheen; trigonal quartz crystal structure, no visible cleavage. The specimen is polished and rounded.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces crocidolite fibers during alteration, preserving their structure; major deposits occur in South Africa and Western Australia. The exact age depends on the deposit.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and inexpensive collectible specimens.

Geological facts

Its moving, narrow band of reflected light is called chatoyancy, or the cat’s-eye effect.

Field identification & locations

Identify by golden-brown fibrous bands and a bright sheen that shifts as the stone moves; check that the bands and sheen continue across the polished surface. Common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia.