mineral

Tumbled tiger’s eye

Quartz variety with fibrous crocidolite-derived inclusions; chiefly SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; golden to dark brown with silky chatoyancy and a polished vitreous sheen. Trigonal quartz structure; no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Identified October 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; golden to dark brown with silky chatoyancy and a polished vitreous sheen. Trigonal quartz structure; no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica replaces crocidolite in iron-rich rock, preserving aligned fibers that create the moving reflective band. Tiger’s eye deposits are especially associated with the ancient rocks of South Africa’s Northern Cape; the pictured piece is polished, so its precise age and source cannot be determined.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and ornamental objects; also collected as an affordable gemstone.

Geological facts

Its shifting, cat-eye-like light band is called chatoyancy and is strongest when the stone is cut and polished with fibers aligned lengthwise.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its brown-gold bands and silky band of light that shifts as the stone turns; common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia. The image shows a polished, rounded specimen rather than a naturally weathered rock.