mineral

Tumbled tiger’s eye

Quartz (SiO₂), fibrous variety with crocidolite-derived inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; brown, golden-yellow to dark bands; silky chatoyant luster caused by aligned fibers; trigonal quartz crystal structure, with no prominent cleavage. Specific gravity is about 2.6–2.7.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when blue asbestos-like crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz during low-grade alteration, preserving the fibrous texture and producing chatoyancy. It is commonly associated with Precambrian iron-rich formations, especially in South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and ornamental objects; it is inexpensive but popular in lapidary and jewelry work.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat-eye-like reflective band is called chatoyancy and becomes strongest when the stone is cut or polished parallel to the fibers.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its silky, mobile golden-brown band, opaque body, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; it is commonly found in South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and the United States. Avoid confusing it with glass or ordinary brown quartz.