Inorganic Gemstones

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Quartz Cat's Eye

Oval Cabochon Quartz Cat's Eye

Quartz cat's eye possess a fibrous structure, with inclusions of crocidolite (blue asbestos) that create a “cat’s-eye” effect referred to as chatoyancy. This effect is better seen once the stones are cut en cabochon. Each stone displays different colours based on the exact nature from the inclusions. The greyish yellow, semi-translucent appearance of quartz cat’s-eye is a result of inclusions of crocidolite “asbestos” and, less commonly, hornblende. It features a silky lustre. Tiger’s-eye is black, with iron oxide staining that provides yellow and golden brown stripes. Hawk’s-eye forms when crocidolite changes to quartz, however the blue-grey or blue-green colour from the original remains.

Quartz cat’s-eye originates from Sri Lanka, India and Brazil. The most crucial supply of tiger’s-eye is within South Aftica, where it can be found in thick slabs, with the less frequent hawk’s-eye. Chatoyant quartz can also be present in Australia and the united states.

Chatoyant quartz is definitely called quartz cat’s-eye to prevent confusion with other chatoyant gems, particularly chrysoberyl.


Properties
Chemical Composition: 

Silicon dioxide

Crystal System / Forms: 

Trigonal

Hardness: 
7
Specific Gravity: 

2.65

Lustre: 
Vitreous
Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.54-1.55 / 0.009

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