mineral

Tumbled tiger’s-eye

Quartz variety, fibrous golden-brown quartz (SiO₂), commonly pseudomorphic after crocidolite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown color with silky chatoyant bands, vitreous to silky luster, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded, polished shape indicates human processing; fine parallel fibers create the reflective cat’s-eye effect.

Identified September 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz during weathering and alteration, usually in iron-rich metamorphic environments. Major deposits are associated with Precambrian rocks, especially South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochon jewelry, beads, carvings, ornaments, and lapidary collections. It is not generally important as an industrial aggregate.

Geological facts

Its moving band of light is called chatoyancy and is strongest when the stone is cut or polished parallel to the fibers. Golden tiger’s-eye commonly grades into reddish bull’s-eye or blue hawk’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its brown-gold color, parallel silky bands, glassy hardness, and shifting light stripe when rotated; a scratch test should not be attempted on the polished face. Common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, and Brazil.