Comparison · Quartz Family
Quartz vs Tiger's Eye
Quartz and Tiger's Eye are easy to confuse because both are quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Quartz and Tiger's Eye
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Luster is different: Quartz is vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces while Tiger's Eye is silky.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Quartz is Transparent to translucent, Tiger's Eye is opaque.
- They overlap in yellow and brown, but Quartz also comes in clear, purple, pink, black, and gray and Tiger's Eye also comes in red.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Quartz is Trigonal, Tiger's Eye is hexagonal.
Quartz vs Tiger's Eye properties
| Property | Quartz | Tiger's Eye |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces | silky |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Purple (amethyst), Yellow (citrine), Pink (rose), Brown/black (smoky) | Golden Brown, Yellow, Red |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$250+ | $5–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $20 for Tiger's Eye, and premium Quartz can reach $250 or more.
About Quartz
Quartz is silicon dioxide, SiO2, one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust, crystallizing in the trigonal division of the hexagonal crystal system with a hardness of 7 that makes it a standard reference point on the Mohs scale. Its six-sided prismatic crystals, often terminated by pyramidal points, are among the most recognizable crystal shapes in mineralogy. Quartz occurs in nearly every rock type and geologic setting, from granite pegmatites to sedimentary sandstones to hydrothermal veins.
About Tiger's Eye
Tiger's eye is a chatoyant gemstone displaying a silky luster and banded appearance. The optical effect resembles a cat's eye or tiger's eye.
Quartz vs Tiger's Eye FAQ
Is Quartz the same as Tiger's Eye?
No. Both are quartz family, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Quartz from Tiger's Eye?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Luster is different: Quartz is vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces while Tiger's Eye is silky. Hold a thin edge to the light: Quartz is Transparent to translucent, Tiger's Eye is opaque.
Which is harder, Quartz or Tiger's Eye?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Quartz or Tiger's Eye?
Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $20 for Tiger's Eye, and premium Quartz can reach $250 or more.
