Natural Tiger Eye Stone in Pakistan

What makes the light move

Tiger eye formed when quartz slowly replaced fibrous minerals inside a rock but kept their parallel fibres. Light bouncing off those fibres produces the moving band, an effect called chatoyancy. Cutters show it off by shaping the stone as a smooth domed cabochon, or polishing it flat with the fibres lying parallel to the surface.

Golden, red and blue

• Golden tiger eye - the classic honey-gold and brown banding, and by far the most popular.
• Red tiger eye - a deep reddish-brown, usually made by gently heating golden material. We state heating when known.
• Hawk's eye (blue tiger eye) - a blue-grey to blue-green form, where the original fibres were never fully altered.

South Africa is the best-known source of fine tiger eye, though it is found in several other countries too.

Picking a good one

Look for bright, silky, crisply defined bands with strong contrast that flip from light to dark as you turn the stone. A rich golden colour, even banding across the face, a high polish and a well-shaped cabochon all add value. Bigger stones cost more, but tiger eye stays one of the most affordable gems around, which makes it a sensible first ring. Divide any listing's price by its carat weight to get the per-carat rate.

Real or imitation?

On a real tiger eye the bands of light glide over the surface as you tilt it. Imitations, such as glass with painted or printed stripes, look flat and the stripes stay put. Fibre-optic glass sold as "cat's eye" can show a moving line but usually has a honeycomb pattern visible from the side. Our authenticity page explains how we check each stone. If it is chrysoberyl cat's eye you are after, see our Lehsunia collection.

Tradition and belief

Tiger eye is traditionally thought of as a stone of courage, focus and protection, said to help the wearer feel steady and confident. Some South Asian astrological traditions link it with the Sun, and it is often set in silver or copper. These are beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes, and many people simply like its warm, shifting glow.

Care

At about 7 on the Mohs scale, tiger eye is tough enough for an everyday ring. Wash it with mild soap and water and store it away from harder gems.

Ordering from Authentic Gems

The tiger eye in the photos is the one you receive. We are based in Karachi and ship by insured, tracked courier for a flat Rs. 500 per order: usually 1 to 2 working days within Karachi, 2 to 4 for other major cities and up to about 7 for smaller towns. Pay Cash on Delivery once you have checked the stone, and return it unused within 7 days if it is not right.