gemstone

Tumbled tiger’s eye

Quartz (SiO₂) with crocidolite-derived fibrous inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished orange-brown stone with silky bands and chatoyancy; quartz hardness 7 Mohs, trigonal crystal structure, vitreous-to-silky luster, no distinct cleavage. The image is small and slightly blurred, so identification is based on its banded appearance.

Identified October 5, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

A variety of quartz formed when silica replaced fibrous crocidolite, preserving its aligned fibers; deposits occur in ancient metamorphosed iron-rich rocks, notably in South Africa and Australia.

Uses & applications

Commonly tumbled for jewelry, beads, and decorative pieces; also collected as an ornamental gemstone.

Geological facts

Its moving, cat’s-eye-like light band is called chatoyancy and comes from aligned internal fibers.

Field identification & locations

Look for golden to reddish-brown parallel bands and a shifting silky sheen as the stone is rotated; a polished specimen like this is typically worth about $2–$15, depending on size and quality.