Tiger's Eyes are one of the most recognizable gemstones in the world. Its earthy golden color along with the optical wonder that makes them look like eyes from a jungle cat has made them even more popular.
Tiger's Eye Colors
Tiger's Eyes have an organic almost woody appearance with honey brown colors and stripes and swirls that can be yellow, orange, red and black in every possible shade.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Tiger's Eye Species
Tiger's Eyes are a type of quartz. They are psuedomorphs which means they began life as one mineral - crocidolite - and changed over time into another - quartz. Traces of the original mineral have remained to create both the golden colors and the cat's eye effect.
Another theory suggests they were created by a series of cracking and sealing of minerals caused by tectonic movements of the earth. Each crack and seal created the lines we see in Tiger's Eye.
Either way we end up with a delightful type of quartz chalcedony.
Tiger's Eye Price
Tiger's Eye gemstones are a very reasonably priced with even the best examples only $1 or $2 per carat. Gemstones with a particularly bright yellow or orange color and a well defined cat's eye effect may demand a higher value but there is not a great deal of difference.
The preferred color will be always be a matter of opinion.
Carat Weight
Large carat sizes are fairly common in Tiger's Eye so the price per carat does not rise at all with this gemstone - it is all about the color and distinctive bands.
For more details please refer to our full Tiger's Eye Info page here
Treatments
Most Tiger's Eyes are not treated in anyway other than cutting and polishing into cabochon gemstones or occasionally fancy carvings.
Some can be dyed but this is usually to create unnatural colors such as green or purple and is easily spotted.
Any treatments our Tiger's Eye gemstones may receive are clearly and fully disclosed on our product pages.
Where are Tiger's Eye found?
Most Tiger's Eye gemstones come from South Africa, Australia, India, Myanmar and here in Thailand.
What jewelry is Tiger's Eye suitable for?
Tiger's Eye is rated at 6.5 - 7 on Mohs hardness scale and is tough enough to be used on most jewelry items.
It is an inexpensive gemstone with unique colors and bands which means it is ideal for interesting one-off jewelry designs. The large sizes also means it can be incorporated into over-size rings or pendants with ease.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Tiger Eye is an alternative birthstone for June
Tiger Eye is an alternative gemstone for the 9th wedding anniversary.
