gemstone

Tumbled tiger’s-eye

Quartz variety, chiefly fibrous chalcedony pseudomorph after crocidolite; SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to dark brown with silky chatoyancy, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and no prominent cleavage. The rounded, polished form is human-processed; the dark areas may be iron oxides or residual altered fibers.

Identified September 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz replaces blue asbestos-like crocidolite fibers during hydrothermal alteration, preserving fibrous structure; commonly Precambrian in age. Major deposits occur in South Africa, Namibia, Australia, India, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and inexpensive jewelry; not generally used structurally or industrially.

Geological facts

Its moving cat’s-eye band results from reflection along aligned fibers, called chatoyancy. Golden tiger’s-eye represents more strongly oxidized material than blue hawk’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its parallel silky sheen that shifts as the stone moves, brown-gold color, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass. A uniformly glassy stone without chatoyancy may be dyed glass or another imitation.