gemstone

Tumbled tiger’s eye

Quartz variety with fibrous crocidolite-derived inclusions; primarily SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Golden-brown to dark brown, polished vitreous/silky luster with subtle chatoyancy; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, trigonal quartz structure, no cleavage. The small, dimly lit image limits confident identification.

Identified October 7, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces crocidolite fibers during alteration, preserving the fibers’ alignment; commonly associated with Proterozoic iron formations. The specimen appears tumbled and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, jewelry, carvings, and inexpensive collectible stones.

Geological facts

Its shifting band of reflected light is called chatoyancy, from the French for “cat’s eye.”

Field identification & locations

Look for parallel golden-brown bands and a moving, silky light band as the stone tilts; major sources include South Africa, Australia, and India. Similar brown stones can be difficult to distinguish from a photo alone.