Tiger's Eye

Real mineral · uncommon · SiO₂

Pseudomorphic quartz after crocidolite asbestos, preserving the fibrous structure of the original mineral. Its chatoyancy results from light reflection off parallel fibres. Formed by silicification of blue crocidolite in metamorphic settings.

Identity

Formula

SiO₂

Chemical class

silicate

Mineral group

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Citrine, Quartz, Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz

Also known as

Tiger eye, Crocidolite pseudomorph

Crystallography

Crystal system

trigonal

Habits

fibrous, massive

Fracture

fibrous

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

7

Density

2.65 g/cm³

Luster

silky, waxy

Colors

brown, yellow, orange, reddish brown

Streak

white

Transparency

opaque

Geology

Origins

metamorphic

Host rocks

schist, quartzite

Associated minerals

Quartz, Hematite

Geography

South Africa, Australia, USA, India, Namibia

Classification

Rarity

uncommon

Gem quality

Yes

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