Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal (cut and polished into a faceted pendulum habit)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with inclusions of oxidized amphibole (crocidolite)
Formation Process
Pseudomorphous replacement where silica progressively replaces fibrous crocidolite (blue asbestos) while iron oxides impart the golden-brown color.
About This Crystal
This is a polished double-terminated pendulum pendant made from Tiger's Eye. It features rich golden-brown and dark brown chatoyant bands with a silky luster and translucent to opaque transparency, showing distinct fibrous chatoyancy.
Physical Characteristics
Gold-brown to yellowish-brown body color with a white streak. It exhibits a fibrous structure with uneven to splintery fracture, and no true cleavage. Specific gravity is approximately 2.64 to 2.71. Tenacity is brittle.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive with a refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553. Exhibits strong chatoyancy (cat's-eye effect) caused by the parallel alignment of fibrous inclusions reflecting light.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa, Western Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, India
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7. Excellent durability for jewelry and handling, though care should be taken with severe impacts.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight which may slightly affect color over decades.
Rarity & Value
Common and widely available. Value depends on chatoyancy quality, color saturation, and symmetry of the cut. Generally very affordable.
Special Characteristics
Prominent chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) resulting from parallel fibrous inclusions of altered riebeckite/crocidolite.
Lore & History
Historically used as a protective talisman by Roman soldiers. In modern crystal healing, it is associated with the solar plexus and sacral chakras, symbolizing courage, grounding, and focus.