Tiger's Eye (Carved Point)
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye · Decorative Stone / Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal (typically forms massive pseudomorphs after crocidolite; specimen is artificially cut and polished into a double-terminated point)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide with fibrous crocidolite inclusions)
Formation Process
Pseudomorphic replacement process. As acidic solutions containing silica permeate crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers, the iron in the asbestos dissolves and combines with silica to form quartz while retaining the fibrous structure, creating a pseudomorph.
About This Crystal
The specimen is a carved and polished double-terminated crystal wand made from Tiger's Eye. It displays a golden-brown to yellow-brown body color with characteristic chatoyant bands of silky luster running parallel to the length of the stone. Translucency is opaque to slightly translucent depending on thickness.
Physical Characteristics
Color includes golden brown, yellow, and dark brown bands. Streak is white. Cleavage is absent due to microcrystalline/fibrous quartz structure. Fracture is conchoidal to uneven. Specific gravity is approximately 2.64 to 2.71. Tenacity is brittle. Non-magnetic and non-fluorescent.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical character. Refractive index ranges from 1.544 to 1.553. Exhibits strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) caused by light reflecting off the parallel fibrous inclusions of altered crocidolite.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Primary sources include South Africa, Western Australia, USA, Canada, India, and Brazil. Forms in metamorphic environments where crocidolite asbestos is replaced by silica.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable for general handling and jewelry. Toughness is good, though the fibrous nature can occasionally make it slightly susceptible to splitting along cleavage-like planes if severely impacted.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and prolonged exposure to strong acids. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be used with caution. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent potential color alteration over extended periods.
Rarity & Value
Common and widely available. Value is determined by chatoyancy intensity, lack of flaws, and symmetry of cutting. Prices for carved points are generally very affordable.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional chatoyancy (silky cat's eye reflection) resulting from parallel fibrous inclusions. Often artificially cut and polished into cabochons, beads, and metaphysical points.
Lore & History
Historically used as a protective amulet against curses and ill-wishes by ancient Romans and Egyptians. In modern crystal healing, it is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra, representing courage, grounding, willpower, and mental clarity. These are traditional belief systems and not scientifically validated claims.