Tigers Eye identification and geology

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-02-10T20:25:54.470219+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Tigers Eye?

Chatoyant variety of quartz formed by replacement of crocidolite asbestos fibers with silica. Displays silky golden luster.

How can you identify Tigers Eye?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Golden-brown with chatoyancy; lustre: Silky to waxy; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6.5-7; cleavage: None; crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Tigers Eye form?

Forms by pseudomorphic replacement of crocidolite blue asbestos fibers by quartz and iron oxides.

Where is Tigers Eye commonly found?

South Africa primary source , Australia, India, USA; found in metamorphic rocks.

What is Tigers Eye commonly confused with?

Tigers Eye may be confused with Hawks Eye, Pietersite, Cat Eye Chrysoberyl. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.