Tiger Eye is a golden- to brown-banded chatoyant quartz known for its silky luster and shifting light effect that resembles the eye of a tiger; it forms when crocidolite fibers are replaced by silica while retaining fibrous structure, producing those signature parallel bands and shimmering "cat's-eye" reflection. Prized both as a gemstone and a carry piece, Tiger Eye is often polished into cabochons, beads, and worry stones, and is valued for its warm, grounding appearance that pairs well with metals like gold and brass. Historically used in amulets for protection and courage, it remains popular in contemporary jewelry and decorative objects for its earthy tones and dynamic play of light that seems to change with the angle of viewing.
Tiger Eye is a golden- to brown-banded chatoyant quartz known for its silky luster and shifting light effect that resembles the eye of a tiger; it forms when crocidolite fibers are replaced by silica while retaining fibrous structure, producing those signature parallel bands and shimmering "cat's-eye" reflection. Prized both as a gemstone and a carry piece, Tiger Eye is often polished into cabochons, beads, and worry stones, and is valued for its warm, grounding appearance that pairs well with metals like gold and brass. Historically used in amulets for protection and courage, it remains popular in contemporary jewelry and decorative objects for its earthy tones and dynamic play of light that seems to change with the angle of viewing.