Red Tiger Eye (or Polished Jasper Gneiss)

Physical Properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Red, brown, and black banding; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71

Formation & Geological History

Formed through the metamorphic process where blue crocidolite fibers are replaced by silica. The red variety is often created by gentle heating of gold tiger eye, which oxidizes the iron content. Geological origins are typically Precambrian.

Uses & Applications

Primary use is in the lapidary arts for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, pyramids, and metaphysical collecting.

Geological Facts

Red Tiger Eye is also known as Bull's Eye. While it can occur naturally through geothermal activity, most commercial red tiger eye is produced by controlled heat treatment of the gold variety.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify in the field by its distinct chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) and alternating bands of color. It is most famously found in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and Western Australia.

Identified on: 4/29/2026

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