Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal (hexagonal) system; massive, fibrous pseudomorph habit following asbestiform crocidolite.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with inclusions of Crocidolite (asbestiform amphibole)
Formation Process
Metamorphic/Hydrothermal replacement. It is a pseudomorph formed when quartz replaces crocidolite (blue asbestos) while retaining the original fibrous structure.
About This Crystal
An opaque, fibrous variety of quartz with a golden to brownish-red color. The image shows a raw, unpolished specimen with a woody or silky luster and distinct parallel fiber bundles that create chatoyancy.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Gold-brown, yellow-brown; Streak: Yellow-brown; Fracture: Splintery/uneven; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71; Luster: Silky when fibrous, vitreous when quartz-heavy.
Optical Properties
Displays strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) due to the reflection of light off parallel mineral fibers. Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa (Griquland West), Western Australia, Myanmar, and Namibia. Typically found in iron formations.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 6.5–7. Toughness is good due to the fibrous structure, though it can be brittle or splintery in its raw state.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals or acids which can dissolve the iron hydroxides that give it color. Store away from harder stones like Sapphire or Topaz.
Rarity & Value
Common. Value is determined by the strength of the chatoyancy, color saturation, and lack of 'dead' spots. Raw specimens are inexpensive.
Special Characteristics
Chatoyancy is its defining feature. Some specimens may show 'honey' or 'cat's eye' bands when cut en cabochon. May contain hematite or magnetite inclusions.
Lore & History
Historically used by Roman soldiers as an amulet for protection and courage. In metaphysical traditions, it is associated with the solar plexus chakra and believed to promote mental clarity and grounding.