Ring with tiger eye

Tiger’s eye is a fascinating semi-precious stone, a variety of quartz, that captivates with its unique silky iridescence, known as the “cat’s eye” effect (or chatoyancy). This amazing optical effect is caused by parallel-oriented fibers of amphibole (originally the mineral riebeckite, also known as crocidolite), which over time were replaced by quartz, but retained their fibrous structure.

The stone is opaque, and its characteristic golden yellow and rich brown stripes, reminiscent of the color of a tiger, are caused by inclusions of iron hydroxides (goethite) between the quartz fibers. It is these warm shades and silky shine that make tiger’s eye extremely popular in jewelry.

The most significant deposits of tiger's eye are in South Africa, but it is also mined in Western Australia, India, Namibia, the United States and Myanmar (Burma).

Due to its beauty, characteristic optical effect and sufficient hardness, tiger's eye is widely used for making cabochons, beads, inserts in rings, earrings and pendants, as well as for creating small decorative figurines and interior items. Its unique appearance makes each product unique. Although tiger's eye is sometimes attributed with the properties of giving confidence and helping to concentrate, its main value lies in its natural beauty and unique visual effect, which makes it desirable for both jewelers and mineral collectors.