metamorphic
Red Tiger's Eye
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with hematite inclusions
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: reddish-brown with chatoyant bands; Luster: silky to vitreous; Structure: trigonal/fibrous; SG: 2.64-2.71
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- reddish-brown with chatoyant bands
- Luster
- silky to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: reddish-brown with chatoyant bands; Luster: silky to vitreous; Structure: trigonal/fibrous; SG: 2.64-2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed when traditional gold tiger's eye (a pseudomorph formed from silica replacing crocidolite asbestos) is naturally or artificially heated, oxidizing iron into hematite.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry beadwork, carvings, and as a decorative gemstone for metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Red tiger's eye is often called Bull's Eye. While it can occur naturally through geothermal heat, most red specimens on the market are produced by heat-treating gold tiger's eye.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its unique 'cat's eye' silky luster that moves across the surface as you rotate it. Most commonly sourced from South Africa and Australia.
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