Gemstone profile and identification guide
Tiger's Eye
Tiger's eye is a chatoyant quartz variety known for a bright moving eye effect.
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Overview
Tiger's eye is a chatoyant quartz variety known for a bright moving eye effect.
Did you know? Heat treatment can shift tiger's eye toward red-brown colors sold as red tiger eye.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Tiger's Eye
Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz Chatoyant Variety)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: silky
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Golden Brown
Secondary colour: Yellow Brown
Colour family: Browns
Parallel fibrous texture and golden cat's-eye band are key identifiers.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) replacing fibrous precursors
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: South Africa, Namibia, Australia, India
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Golden-brown chatoyant quartz with moving silky light band.
Optical effects: Chatoyancy
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (tiger's eye variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) replacing fibrous precursors
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: silky
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.64-2.71
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Optical phenomena: Chatoyancy
Colour range: Yellow-brown to golden brown
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: South Africa, Namibia, Australia, India
Important commercial sources: Tiger's eye is widely sourced from silica-replaced fibrous host materials
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Heat and dyeing can occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, beads, carvings, and inlay.
Care recommendations: Durable for regular wear; avoid heavy impact on thin pieces.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Tiger's Eye.
Formation
Silica replacement preserves fibrous structures that produce chatoyancy.
Origin
Tiger's eye is widely sourced from silica-replaced fibrous host materials
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons, beads, carvings, and inlay.
Ideal uses: Cabochon jewelry showing strong chatoyant movement.
Care
Durable for regular wear; avoid heavy impact on thin pieces.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
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Commonly confused gemstones
Tiger's Eye FAQ
How can I identify Tiger's Eye?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (silky) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Tiger's Eye appear in?
Golden-brown chatoyant quartz with moving silky light band.
Where is Tiger's Eye commonly used?
Cabochon jewelry showing strong chatoyant movement.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.