Tiger Eye

Tiger Eye
Tiger Eye

Honey yellow through golden browns through grays and into reddish browns, all describe the tones and colours of Tigereye. Although it most often resembles a section of the side of a tiger rather than an eye, There are a few stone where the bands of colour are spaced far enough apart that the “eye” phenomenon appears.

Tiger eye is composed of Silicon Dioxide striated as a fibrous structure. This material usually forms in seams only a few inches thick with the fibers running up and down the short axis. The finest material comes from South Africa but it is also found Western Australia, India and the US in California.

Although it is sensitive to acids, it logs in at a 7 hardness and is fairly tough so it is suitable as a man’s ring stone. It is usually set as a signet, with or without a Diamond accent and initial. It has also been used as material for cufflinks and bolo ties. Most stones are opaque, a few are translucent but all exhibit an apparent movement within the stone, or chatoyancy.

We have many cut and uncut pieces of Tigereye in stock as well as finished stones set in Sterling Silver and gold. Come in and view this affordable jewel.

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