gemstone

Tumbled red tiger’s eye

Tiger’s eye, a quartz variety (SiO₂) with iron-oxide-rich bands; possibly red-dyed or heat-treated

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished, glossy reddish-brown stone with a blue chatoyant sheen. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure; the small image does not reveal cleavage or specific gravity reliably.

Identified September 25, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Polished, glossy reddish-brown stone with a blue chatoyant sheen. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure; the small image does not reveal cleavage or specific gravity reliably.

Formation & geological history

Forms when fibrous crocidolite is replaced by silica, preserving its structure; iron oxides create brown-red tones. The pictured red color may result from treatment, and the geological age depends on its source deposit.

Uses & applications

Used in beads, cabochons, jewelry, ornaments, and collecting.

Geological facts

Its silky, shifting light band is called chatoyancy, or the cat’s-eye effect.

Field identification & locations

Look for parallel fibers and a bright band that shifts as the stone moves; common sources include South Africa and Western Australia. A tumbled piece like this typically sells for about $2–$15 USD.