mineral

Tumbled tiger’s-eye

Tiger’s-eye quartz, microcrystalline SiO₂ with fibrous crocidolite pseudomorphs

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; brown, golden, and dark bands with silky chatoyancy; vitreous to silky luster; cryptocrystalline quartz, lacking cleavage; specific gravity about 2.64–2.71.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; brown, golden, and dark bands with silky chatoyancy; vitreous to silky luster; cryptocrystalline quartz, lacking cleavage; specific gravity about 2.64–2.71.

Formation & geological history

Forms when fibrous blue asbestos-like crocidolite is replaced by quartz during silica-rich alteration, preserving the fibers that create chatoyancy. Major deposits are Precambrian-aged rocks of South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia.

Uses & applications

Commonly cut into cabochons, beads, carvings, and tumbled stones; also used in ornamental objects and inexpensive jewelry.

Geological facts

The moving cat’s-eye effect is strongest when the stone is polished parallel to its preserved fibers. Golden tiger’s-eye commonly develops through oxidation of blue or gray hawk’s-eye material.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its brown-gold silky bands and a bright reflective line that shifts with light; unlike glass, it usually shows natural banding and variable translucency. The pictured piece is polished and tumbled.