Tiger Eye Stones

Tiger Eye (traditionally known in India as Chitti or Cheeta Stone) is a fibrous, chatoyant variety of Quartz (SiO₂):

• Formation: Tiger Eye forms in veins where quartz grows together with fibers of crocidolite, a blue amphibole. It was long described as quartz replacing the fibers (a pseudomorph); newer research shows the quartz and fibers grew together. Iron from the fibers oxidized into Goethite and Limonite, giving the golden-yellow, honey and brown hues.
• The Chatoyancy Effect: The tightly packed, parallel alignment of these silicified fibers reflects light in a bright, concentrated band across the surface. When fashioned into curved cabochons, this optical effect—known gemologically as chatoyancy (or the cat’s-eye effect)—appears to glide fluidly across the stone as it is tilted under light.

Although inexpensive glass imitations exist, gemological testing easily separates genuine Natural Tiger Eye:

• Natural Fibrous Depth vs. Glass: Under 10x magnification, natural Tiger Eye displays multi-layered, microscopic fibrous bands, subtle natural growth waves, and authentic silky luster. Synthetic glass imitations (fiber-optic “cat’s-eye glass”) feature unnaturally sharp, artificial line reflections and lack organic iron oxide variations.
• Hardness & Specific Gravity: Natural Tiger Eye possesses a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 and a specific gravity of 2.64 to 2.71. Glass imitations are significantly softer (Mohs ~5.0–5.5), warm quickly in the hand, and scratch easily. For complete inspection techniques, read our expert Tiger Eye Buying Guide.
• Our Tiger Eye: Our loose Tiger Eye stones are listed as natural, unheated and undyed. Red Tiger Eye, as in our Red Tiger Eye bracelet, is golden Tiger Eye that has been gently heated, and its listing says so.

Every Tiger Eye gemstone at Ratna Gems is individually tested and comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory. The certificate identifies the mineral species as Natural Quartz, variety as Natural Tiger Eye, exact carat and ratti weight, dimensions, specific gravity (2.64–2.71), refractive index (spot reading ~1.54), Mohs hardness 6.5–7.0, opaque opacity, cut and shape (Eye Shape or Oval Cabochon), confirms diagnostic parallel fibrous chatoyancy, and confirms its untreated natural status. Each report carries its own report number, which you can quote to the laboratory to check it.

Lab Report Included: Every gemstone comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory at no extra charge. If you specifically require an additional report from GII, IIGJ, or IGI, you can select it from the certification dropdown on the product page (official laboratory testing fees apply in advance on a non-refundable basis).

With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 and an interlocking microcrystalline quartz structure, Tiger Eye is exceptionally durable for daily jewelry wear:

• Scratch & Impact Resistance: Lacking directional cleavage planes, Tiger Eye resists daily abrasions, chipping, and accidental contact far better than softer or cleavage-prone gems, making it an excellent choice for daily rings, pendants, and bead bracelets.
• Safe Cleaning: Clean with lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel.
• Avoid Extreme Heat & Acids: Avoid exposing Tiger Eye to prolonged high heat (which can oxidize goethite to hematite, turning the golden stone reddish like “Bull’s Eye”) or harsh chemical cleaners.

Known in classical Indian lapidary as Chitti or Cheeta Stone, Tiger Eye holds a well-established position in cultural and astrological jewelry:

• Astrological Substitute (Upratna): In Indian astrological practice, Tiger Eye is a popular, affordable Upratna (substitute) for Natural Cat’s Eye (Lehsuniya / Chrysoberyl) associated with the descending lunar node, Ketu. Classical Jyotish names Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye as the main stone for Ketu, while Tiger Eye is widely worn for its striking chatoyant band and accessible pricing.
• Customary Mounting: Customarily set in Sterling Silver (925 Silver), Panchdhatu, or brass bezel mountings that accentuate its eye-shape cabochon in statement rings, pendants, and bead bracelets.
• Traditional Timing: Often set or worn on Tuesday or Thursday mornings during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) on the middle finger (Madhyama) or little finger (Kanishtha).