gemstone

Tumbled tiger’s-eye

Quartz variety, mainly fibrous quartz with crocidolite pseudomorphs; SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-golden chatoyant stone with silky bands and vitreous-to-waxy luster; quartz hardness is Mohs 6.5–7, trigonal crystal structure, no prominent cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.64–2.71. The blue-gray reflective area may be hawk’s-eye or an unpolished surface.

Identified August 23, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when parallel crocidolite (riebeckite) fibers are replaced by quartz, preserving fibrous structure and producing chatoyancy; commonly associated with Precambrian iron-rich rocks, especially South Africa. The specimen is likely polished or naturally tumbled.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive collectible gemstones; rarely used decoratively in architectural stone.

Geological facts

Its moving band of reflected light is called chatoyancy, caused by aligned fibers. Golden tiger’s-eye commonly develops through oxidation of blue hawk’s-eye.

Field identification & locations

Identify by silky parallel bands, golden-brown color, and a bright cat-eye stripe that moves when rotated under a light; distinguish it from glass by its hardness and natural fibrous pattern. Major sources include South Africa, Western Australia, India, Namibia, and the United States.