gemstone
Red Tiger's Eye
Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite (Silicon Dioxide: SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Red-brown to mahogany; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Chatoyancy: Present (cat's eye effect); Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Red-brown to mahogany
- Luster
- Silky to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Red-brown to mahogany; Luster: Silky to vitreous; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Chatoyancy: Present (cat's eye effect); Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed through the pseudomorphism of blue crocidolite asbestos by silica. The red color is typically produced through natural or artificial heating (oxidation) of common gold tiger's eye, which converts limonite to hematite.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), metaphysical practices, and ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Also known as Ox's Eye or Bull's Eye. The trademark chatoyancy is caused by the light reflecting off the parallel fibrous structure of the mineral. While it can occur naturally through geothermal heat, most red tiger's eye on the market is heat-treated.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct chatoyant 'shimmer' when rotated under light and its heavy fibrous banding. Major deposits are found in South Africa, Western Australia, India, and Namibia.
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