Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, massive or fibrous habit
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with inclusions of oxidized amphibole (crocidolite)
Formation Process
Pseudomorphic replacement where quartz replaces fibrous crocidolite (blue asbestos) while iron oxides impart the golden-brown color
About This Crystal
An opaque, polished heart-shaped gemstone displaying a rich golden-brown to dark brown body color with characteristic silky bands of chatoyancy that shimmer when moved under light
Physical Characteristics
Gold-brown to brownish-yellow body color, white streak, fibrous aggregate habit, indistinct cleavage, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.64 to 2.71, brittle tenacity, and inert under UV light
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical character, refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, strong chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect) caused by parallel fibrous inclusions reflecting light
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa, Western Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, and India
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, good toughness due to interlocking fibrous quartz structure, highly stable and suitable for general jewelry wear
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoid harsh chemicals or prolonged acid exposure, and store separately to prevent scratching softer stones
Rarity & Value
Common and widely available, value is determined by chatoyancy quality, color richness, and lack of fractures; typically affordable with treatments being uncommon except occasional heat or acid lightening
Special Characteristics
Distinctive chatoyancy producing a moving line of light (cat's-eye effect) due to the pseudomorphous replacement of fibrous crocidolite by silica
Lore & History
Historically used as a protective talisman by Roman soldiers and ancient cultures against curses and ill-wishes; associated with courage, grounding, and the Solar Plexus chakra in modern crystal healing traditions