Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal crystal system; occurs in massive, fibrous habits forming pseudomorphs after riebeckite.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) with fibrous inclusions of Crocidolite (altered to Iron Oxides like Limonite)
Formation Process
Metamorphic/Hydrothermal; formed as a pseudomorph when quartz replaces fibrous crocidolite (blue asbestos) while retaining its structure, later oxidized by iron.
About This Crystal
An opaque to translucent gemstone with a rich golden to brownish-yellow color. It displays a silky luster and a distinct chatoyant effect due to the parallel orientation of internal fibers.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Gold, yellow, brown; Streak: Yellow-brown; Fracture: Conchoidal to splintery; Specific Gravity: 2.64–2.71; Fluorescence: Generally inert.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.544–1.553; Birefringence: ~0.009; Displays strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) when polished; Doubly refractive (Quartz base).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa (Griequaland West), Western Australia, Namibia, Myanmar, and India.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 6.5–7; Good toughness; highly durable for all types of jewelry including rings.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals and acids; store separately to prevent scratching softer stones.
Rarity & Value
Common; Value is driven by the intensity of color, quality of chatoyancy, and lack of dark 'dead' spots. Generally affordable.
Special Characteristics
Strong chatoyancy caused by light reflecting off parallel iron-oxide fibers; can show 'slabs' of silky shimmer across the surface.
Lore & History
Historically used by Roman soldiers for protection in battle; traditionally associated with the Solar Plexus chakra, courage, and grounding energy.