description Tiger's Eye Overview
Tiger's eye is a variety of quartz that displays chatoyancy, a moving band of reflected light resembling the eye of a cat. Its golden-brown appearance develops from the alteration of fibrous materials related to crocidolite, with quartz preserving a parallel structure that reflects light. The stone is commonly cut as cabochons, beads, and ornamental objects. South Africa has been an important source, although tiger's eye and related materials occur in several other countries.
help Tiger's Eye FAQ
What is tiger's eye?
Tiger's eye is a quartz variety known for chatoyancy, a moving band of reflected light that resembles a cat's eye. It commonly appears golden-brown with a silky surface effect.
How does tiger's eye get its chatoyancy?
Its appearance develops as quartz preserves a parallel fibrous structure related to altered crocidolite. Light reflecting along those parallel structures creates the moving band.
What color is tiger's eye?
Typical tiger's eye is golden-brown to brown, often with darker bands. The exact pattern depends on the preserved fibers, alteration, and cut direction.
How should tiger's eye be cut?
Tiger's eye is usually polished as a cabochon so the chatoyant band can move across the curved surface. Cutting across the wrong direction can weaken or hide the cat-eye effect.
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