gemstone
Red Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep reddish-brown with silky dark red and brownish chatoyant bands. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None.
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep reddish-brown with silky dark red and brownish chatoyant bands. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None.
Formation & geological history
Forms when yellow tiger's eye undergoes natural geological heating or heat treatment, transforming the limonite/goethite inclusions into hematite, creating a rich red coloration.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary art, jewelry (beads, cabochons, pendants), ornamental carvings, and gemstone collections.
Geological facts
Also known as Bull's Eye or Ox Eye. The silky chatoyancy is caused by the fibrous pseudomorph structure of fibrous crocidolite replaced by quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic silky, light-reflecting chatoyant bands and dark reddish-brown hue. Major sources include South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and India.
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