Tiger's eye is a variety of quartz featuring parallel, fibrous inclusions (originally crocidolite replaced by quartz) that produce a chatoyant, silky sheen. It typically displays golden to brown bodycolor with a moving 'eye' of light across the surface, and related varieties include hawk's eye (blue) and bull's eye (red). With Mohs hardness 7 and good toughness, it is suitable for cabochons, beads and carvings.
Price History
Value Drivers
Carat weight matters mainly for larger cabochons and ornamental pieces that show broad, well-defined chatoyant bands. Because tiger's eye is abundant, price per carat remains modest even for sizable stones, though large, high-quality cabochons are more desirable.
Color and chatoyancy are primary value factors. The best tiger's eye has a rich golden to reddish-brown bodycolor with a strong, bright, well-centered eye that moves smoothly with light. Stones that are too dull, overly dark, or lack a distinct eye effect are less valuable.
As an opaque gem, clarity refers to structural integrity and the continuity of the fibrous structure. Compact, unfractured material with a smooth, even chatoyant band is preferred. Cracks, pits or disruptive inclusions that break the eye effect reduce both beauty and durability.
Tiger's eye is typically cut as cabochons oriented so the fibers run perpendicular to the long axis, maximizing the moving eye of light. High-domed cabochons with good symmetry and polish strengthen the chatoyant effect. Beads and carvings also benefit from thoughtful orientation and finish.
Market Dynamics
Major sources of tiger's eye include South Africa, Namibia and Western Australia, with additional deposits elsewhere. Material suitable for cabochons and carvings is abundant, and large volumes are produced for the global market.
Demand is steady in bead, carving and metaphysical markets. Tiger's eye is a familiar, affordable gemstone used in fashion jewelry and decorative objects worldwide.
Recent Trends: steady demand from the broader jewelry market, with gradual growth in online and designer channels for well-cut, natural stones.
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Insights
Tiger's eye's chatoyancy arises from parallel, fibrous structures within the quartz, originally crocidolite fibers replaced by silica.
Heat treatment and dyeing can modify tiger's eye color, producing red (bull's eye) or blue (hawk's eye) varieties.
Tiger's eye has long been popular in men's jewelry, especially rings and bracelets, due to its earthy colors and durability.
In metaphysical circles, tiger's eye is associated with protection, confidence and grounding, supporting strong demand for tumbled stones and amulets.
Because tiger's eye is reasonably hard and tough, it performs well in everyday jewelry compared with many softer ornamental stones.
Carvers often use the directional sheen of tiger's eye to create three-dimensional effects in animal and figure carvings.
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