metamorphic

Tumbled tiger’s eye

Tiger’s eye, a quartz-rich pseudomorph after crocidolite (fibrous riebeckite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden to brown, polished vitreous-to-silky luster with a moving, cat’s-eye band (chatoyancy). Microcrystalline quartz; the pictured piece appears shaped and polished.

Identified September 26, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; golden to brown, polished vitreous-to-silky luster with a moving, cat’s-eye band (chatoyancy). Microcrystalline quartz; the pictured piece appears shaped and polished.

Formation & geological history

Forms as silica replaces fibrous crocidolite, preserving its structure; commonly associated with iron-rich weathering zones. The exact age depends on the deposit.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, jewelry, and decorative objects.

Geological facts

Its shifting bright band is caused by light reflecting from aligned microscopic fibers.

Field identification & locations

Look for golden-brown parallel bands and a bright stripe that shifts as the stone tilts; major sources include South Africa, Australia, India, and Namibia.