That moving glow across an iron tiger eye has a name: chatoyancy, the same optical effect that gives cat's eye its name. It comes from fine fibres lying parallel inside the stone, and this 19.50 carat piece is a natural example of it.

In Pakistani gem markets, tiger eye of every kind has long been popular with people who like dark, strong-looking stones for rings, and some wear it because of traditions linking it with confidence and protection. Those are beliefs rather than facts about the stone, and we mention them only to explain why the family stays popular.

The firm facts are simpler. Hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale and the weight is 19.50 carats. Heavy stones like this are usually mounted in a broad silver bezel. The family is generally not treated, but the details for this stone can be confirmed if you message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-IR-0007. Independent lab testing is your choice.

Related reading is in our iron tiger eye buying guide, and more stones are in the product category.

Your parcel is opened and checked before you pay, wherever you are in Pakistan. Karachi usually receives it in 1 to 2 working days, other cities in 2 to 4, and unused stones can be returned within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural iron tiger eye with a weight of 19.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,390 — roughly Rs. 225 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-IR-0007 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale iron tiger eye rates 7. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy iron tiger eye from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every iron tiger eye for those three points before it is listed, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Iron tiger eye is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.