Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, massive pseudomorphic habit
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with inclusions of oxidized amphibole (crocidolite)
Formation Process
Pseudomorphic replacement of crocidolite (blue asbestos) by silica-rich solutions
About This Crystal
A polished tumbling stone displaying characteristic golden-brown to yellow-brown stripes with a silky, chatoyant sheen. It is opaque with a smooth, polished surface exhibiting bands of alternating light and dark chatoyancy.
Physical Characteristics
Gold, brown, and yellowish-brown body color; white streak; fibrous mass form; no true cleavage; conchoidal to uneven fracture; specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71; brittle tenacity; non-magnetic
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive refractive index (1.544 - 1.553); strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) caused by parallel fibrous inclusions reflecting light; doubly refractive
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa, Western Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, and India
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7; tough and durable due to the interlocking quartz structure; good wearability for jewelry use; stable under normal conditions
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; store separately to prevent scratching softer stones
Rarity & Value
Common; widely available and affordable, with value determined by the quality and intensity of chatoyancy, symmetry, and lack of matrix flaws
Special Characteristics
Prominent chatoyancy (silky cat's eye effect) resulting from parallel quartz pseudomorphs after fibrous riebeckite/crocidolite
Lore & History
Historically used as a protective amulet against curses and ill-wishing by ancient Romans and Egyptians. In modern crystal healing, it is associated with the solar plexus and sacral chakras, symbolizing courage, focus, and grounding.