Lionskin Stone
Lionskin
A variety of Quartz
What is Lionskin Stone?
Lionskin Stone is the name given to a rock that contains fragmented tiger's-eye and semi-transparent quartz. Sometimes tiger's-eye fragments occur in a breccia form while others are in veins, both show dramatic chatoyance.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.544-1.553
- Birefringence
- 0.009
- Pleochroism
- Weakly dichroic
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Lionskin Stone before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Where to Find Lionskin Stone
Lionskin Stone is a variety of Quartz. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find quartz in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find quartzAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Lionskin Stone in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crocidolite Asbestos, Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Lionskin Stone is typically non-toxic except in powder form. If you plan to cut or polish lionskin Stone, it's advisable to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any dust. Asbestos fibers and silica dust are hazardous when inhaled, as they can lead to serious lung disease.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Tan, brown, yellow, white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Rock tumbling
- Tumbles well
- Density
- 2.55 - 2.69 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
Also Known As
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Lionskin Stone FAQs
How do I identify Lionskin Stone?
Lionskin Stone can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Tan color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Lionskin Stone?
Lionskin Stone typically appears in Tan, brown, yellow, white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Lionskin Stone?
Lionskin Stone has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
