Tiger's Eye Crystals

Tiger's eye is a pseudomorphic quartz (SiO2) formed when crocidolite fibers are gradually replaced by silica while the original fibrous structure is preserved. The result is a stone rated 7 on the Mohs scale with parallel fiber arrays that produce chatoyancy: a rolling band of light that shifts across the polished surface as the viewing angle changes. This optical effect is what makes tiger's eye one of the most immediately recognizable minerals in any collection. Primary sources are the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and Western Australia.

The color of tiger's eye is determined by the degree of oxidation of the iron within the replaced crocidolite. The classic golden-brown form comes from iron oxide (goethite) present in the fibers. Blue hawk's eye, the less oxidized variety, retains more of the original crocidolite color. Both are represented here and illustrate how dramatically different a single mineral can look depending on its oxidation state.

Chatoyancy is best appreciated in direct, focused light. A tiger's eye sphere or palm stone placed near a lamp or window will display the effect clearly; in diffuse light the stone still reads as richly banded but the moving flash is less pronounced. Available forms include polished palm stones, spheres, towers, tumbled pieces, and bracelets. For exceptional specimens with vivid chatoyancy, visit the Collector's Edition. Learn more in our guide to tiger's eye. Free shipping on orders $150+.