mineral

Tumbled tiger’s eye

Quartz variety, mainly SiO₂ with fibrous crocidolite pseudomorphs

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden-brown to dark brown silky chatoyant bands, vitreous-to-silky luster, massive microcrystalline quartz, no prominent cleavage. The image also appears to include a small rough quartz piece and possibly brown iron-rich material.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when blue asbestos-like crocidolite fibers are replaced by quartz during weathering and oxidation, producing chatoyancy; major deposits are Precambrian, especially in South Africa and Western Australia.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and inexpensive jewelry; also collected as a decorative lapidary material.

Geological facts

Its moving “cat’s-eye” stripe results from reflected light along parallel fibers. Red varieties are called red tiger’s eye; blue varieties are hawk’s eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its strong silky band that shifts when rotated, brown-gold color, quartz hardness, and lack of cleavage; common sources include South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, and the United States.