mineral

Tiger's Eye

Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs); Color: Golden-brown to yellow-gold; Luster: Silky; Crystal structure: Trigonal (fibrous); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71; Notable for its chatoyancy or 'cat's eye' effect.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Color: Golden-brown to yellow-gold
Luster: Silky

Identified May 18, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through a pseudomorphic process where silica (Quartz) replaces the fibrous mineral Crocidolite while retaining the original fibrous structure. Most deposits are found in Precambrian iron formations around 2 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, lapidary arts, and as a popular specimen for crystal collectors.

Geological facts

It is a chatoyant gemstone that exhibits a unique silky luster due to the parallel growth of quartz crystals and altered amphibole fibers. 'Blue Tiger\'s Eye' is known as Hawk\'s Eye and represents a stage where the asbestos fibers have not yet been oxidized by iron.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive bands of gold and brown and its optical chatoyancy when rotated under light. Major locations include South Africa (Northern Cape), Australia, Myanmar, and Namibia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral