Red Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Tiger's Eye (Pseudomorph after Crocidolite) · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Ornamental Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, massive to fibrous habit
Mineral Group
Silicates, specifically Tectosilicates
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide with iron oxide inclusions)
Formation Process
Pseudomorphic replacement; quartz slowly replaces original fibrous riebeckite/crocidolite while iron oxides and hydroxides stain the fibers, typically occurring via hydrothermal activity.
About This Crystal
Tumbled stone featuring a rich reddish-brown body color with characteristic fibrous chatoyant bands. The specimen shows translucent to opaque areas with a silky to vitreous polished luster and dark linear iron-rich inclusions.
Physical Characteristics
Reddish-brown to dark brown body color with a white streak. It exhibits a fibrous habit, indistinct cleavage, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.64-2.71, and brittle tenacity. Generally inert under UV light.
Optical Properties
Singly or doubly refractive with a refractive index of approximately 1.544-1.553. Strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) due to parallel fibrous inclusions reflecting light.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa, Western Australia, USA, Brazil, India; forms in altered crocidolite asbestos veins
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7. Good durability and toughness due to the microcrystalline quartz matrix, making it very suitable for general jewelry use.
Care & Maintenance
Easy to care for. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and prolonged exposure to extreme heat, though sunlight does not typically fade it.
Rarity & Value
Common and widely available. Value is determined by chatoyancy intensity, depth of color, and symmetry of cut. Generally inexpensive, priced affordably per tumbled stone or cabochon.
Special Characteristics
Pronounced chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) resulting from the parallel alignment of fibrous quartz pseudomorphs replacing iron-stained crocidolite.
Lore & History
Historically used as a protective talisman by Roman soldiers and various ancient cultures against curses and ill-wishes. In modern crystal healing, it is associated with the root and sacral chakras, vitality, motivation, and grounding energy (noted as traditional belief, not scientific fact).