Quartz Family · common
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.
Also known as: chatoyant, cats eye, golden stone.
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.
Full Tiger's Eye identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Tiger's Eye vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Tiger's Eye.
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.
Tiger's Eye FAQ
What is 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.
How much is Tiger's Eye worth?
Entry-level Tiger's Eye specimens sell for around $5, a typical collector specimen for about $20, and premium pieces for $100 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Tiger's Eye?
Tiger's Eye has a Mohs hardness of 7. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
Where is Tiger's Eye found?
Notable sources of Tiger's Eye include South Africa, Australia, India, USA, and Brazil. Forms when crocidolite (blue asbestos) is replaced by silica while retaining the fibrous structure, creating chatoyancy..
What is Tiger's Eye used for?
Tiger's Eye is used for jewelry, decorative objects, and talismans.
