Red Tiger's Eye
Quartz var. Red Tiger's Eye (Pseudomorph after Crocidolite) · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Ornamental Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, massive to fibrous habit with pseudomorphic replacement
Mineral Group
Silicates (Subgroup: Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide with inclusions of oxidized iron/hematite)
Formation Process
Pseudomorphic replacement process. Originally formed as crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers, which were subsequently replaced by silica-rich solutions while iron was simultaneously oxidized to form hematite, resulting in the warm red color.
About This Crystal
The specimen is a tumbled, polished gemstone displaying a deep reddish-brown body color with dark chatoyant bands. It has an opaque to sub-translucent appearance with a silky to vitreous luster on the polished surfaces, highlighting its fibrous internal structure.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from brick red, brownish-red to dark brown with black banding; streak is white; cleavage is none due to microcrystalline quartz aggregate; fracture is splintery to conchoidal; specific gravity is approximately 2.64 to 2.71; tenacity is tough and brittle.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical character; refractive index ranges from 1.544 to 1.553; exhibits strong chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) due to light reflection off parallel microscopic quartz-replaced fibers.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Primary sources include South Africa, Western Australia, USA, Brazil, India, and China. Forms in metamorphic environments containing iron-rich crocidolite asbestos.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable and suitable for general jewelry use, though the fibrous nature can occasionally make it sensitive to severe impact along specific grain directions.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Store away from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon; red tiger's eye is often a heat-treated variant of standard yellow-brown tiger's eye, though naturally occurring reddish varieties exist. Value is generally low to moderate, determined by the chatoyancy quality, depth of color, and absence of surface fractures.
Special Characteristics
Displays prominent chatoyancy (the classic sliding 'silk' or cat's eye band of light) caused by the parallel arrangement of fibrous inclusions within the quartz matrix.
Lore & History
Historically used as an amulet of protection against curses and ill-wishing by ancient civilizations. In modern crystal healing, Red Tiger's Eye is associated with the root chakra, motivation, grounding, vitality, and increasing physical energy. Note that these are traditional symbolic beliefs and not scientifically proven properties.