Tiger Eye Stone (Chitti) 12.40 Carat (13.63 Ratti) Oval Cabochon
SKU: LOT-SLIP-137
Gemstone & Physical Specifications
Details of this stone, with the standard gemological properties of its species.
- Weight
- 12.40 Carat (≈ 13.63 Ratti)
- Shape / Cut
- Oval Cabochon
- Color
- Golden Brown
- Dimensions
- 15.0 x 12.2 x 7.4 mm
- Origin
- Indian
- Species / Mineral
- Natural Chatoyant Quartz
Detailed Product Description
This Tiger Eye Stone (Chitti) weighs 12.40 carat (13.63 ratti) and measures 15.0 x 12.2 x 7.4 mm, a golden brown oval cabochon with a band of light across its dome. Indian origin, declared by Ratna Gems. Tested before dispatch with an authentic gem testing laboratory report included free of charge.
Tiger eye (tiger's eye), sold in India as Chitti, is a chatoyant variety of quartz whose fine parallel fibres reflect a silky band of light that moves across the stone. The fibres have weathered to iron oxides, which give tiger eye its golden-yellow to brown colour; in the blue-grey form sold as hawk's eye they are less altered. Much tiger eye in the trade is heated to deepen or redden its colour, a common and stable trade practice, and some is dyed; every Ratna Gems tiger eye comes with its own lab report, where any treatment is recorded.
Appearance
This stone displays a rich golden brown colour with natural chatoyant banding. Tiger eye shows golden-yellow to brown bands, and every piece has its own pattern of bands and fibres. Its silky band of light glides across the dome as the stone or the light moves, and it looks different in daylight, under a single lamp and in camera light; the photos and video show this stone's colour, bands and moving light, so you can see exactly what you are choosing.
Traditional Use
In Vedic astrology, Ketu's gemstone in the Navratna is Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye (Lahsuniya), and in Indian practice tiger eye (Chitti) is often used as an upratna, or substitute stone, for it, because both show a moving band of light. Tiger eye and chrysoberyl cat's eye are different gemstones, and other traditions link tiger eye with other planets. Customers buying it for astrological use usually follow their astrologer's or Pandit ji's guidance.
Care
Tiger eye is about 7 on the Mohs scale and has good toughness, so this stone suits a ring or pendant for everyday wear with sensible care. Easy habits keep it bright: clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth, dry it, and store it separately from harder gemstones such as sapphire and diamond, which can scratch it. Protect it from hard knocks, which can chip the dome, and as a precaution skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh household chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Compare similar stones in our Tiger Eye Stones collection, or read the Tiger Eye (Chitti) buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Tiger Eye stone tested and certified?
Yes. Every gemstone is tested before dispatch with an authentic gem testing laboratory report included free of charge verifying its natural identity.
What causes the moving band of light in tiger eye?
The band, called chatoyancy, comes from light reflecting off fine parallel fibres inside the quartz. A cabochon cut with its base parallel to the fibres gathers the light into a band that glides across the dome as the stone turns.
Is Tiger Eye the same as Cat's Eye (Lahsuniya)?
No. All three show a moving band of light, but Lahsuniya is chrysoberyl cat's eye, a harder and much denser mineral; quartz cat's eye is a single quartz crystal with fine inclusions; and tiger eye is fibrous quartz with golden-brown bands. In Indian practice tiger eye is often used as an upratna for Lahsuniya; this is a traditional belief, not a promise of any result.
Can this Tiger Eye be set in a ring or pendant?
Yes, at 15.0 x 12.2 x 7.4 mm it suits a ring or pendant. Share the dimensions with your jeweller so the setting fits the dome; a little care, away from hard knocks, harsh chemicals and ultrasonic or steam cleaning, keeps it looking its best.
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Customer Reviews
Verified feedback across our certified Tiger Eye Stones collection. Because each natural gemstone is rare and one-of-a-kind, reviews reflect genuine patron experiences with this gemstone family.