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.
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Tiger's Eye properties at a glance
| Type | Quartz Family |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal |
| Luster | silky |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Fibrous |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Golden Brown, Yellow, Red |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Forms when crocidolite (blue asbestos) is replaced by silica while retaining the fibrous structure, creating chatoyancy.
Believed by ancient Egyptians and Romans to provide protection and bring good luck.
How to identify Tiger's Eye
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Tiger's Eye examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Where Tiger's Eye is found
Tiger's Eye is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Tiger's Eye worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $5 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $20 |
| Premium specimen | $100+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Decorative objects
- Talismans
Interesting facts
- The blue variety is called 'hawk's eye'
- Roman soldiers wore it for protection in battle
- The red variety is created by heat treatment
Care & safety
Treat Tiger's Eye as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
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