Oval tiger's eye cabochon, 14×10 mm, with flat back. The golden silk of the chatoyance runs across the surface in parallel bands that move with the light. A classic format for solitaire rings and handcrafted pendants in 925 silver. Selected at a wholesale lapidary market.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Tiger's Eye (fibrous quartz with pseudomorphized crocidolite amphibole inclusions) |
| Dimensions |
Approx. 14 × 10 mm. Variation of ±0.5 mm due to hand-cutting. |
| Shape and Back |
Oval, polished flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for rings and daily wear |
| Origin |
South Africa (Northern Cape Province) |
| Treatment |
Untreated. The golden color and chatoyance are natural |
| Piece Type |
Available loose (1 piece) or in a lot of 5 pieces |
This specific piece
The tiger's eye bands feature a tonal range from amber gold to cinnamon brown, with a silk line that sweeps from side to side when the piece is rotated under direct light. The chatoyance in the 14×10 mm oval format is particularly pronounced because the curvature of the cabochon concentrates the reflection into a narrow, bright band centered on the major axis.
The 14×10 mm oval is one of the most versatile formats in the catalog: it fits standard jewelry bezels, maintains good proportion in both rings and pendants, and its size is large enough for the chatoyance to be visible from a distance.
How chatoyance forms in tiger's eye
Tiger's eye is the result of a singular geological process: crocidolite (blue fibrous amphibole, blue asbestos) was slowly replaced by quartz, maintaining the orientation of the original fibers. This process, called pseudomorphism, preserves the parallel fibrous structure within the quartz mass.
What setting it works for
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Bezel setting (925 silver) — the standard 14×10 mm oval fits common jewelry bezels.
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Solitaire rings and cabochon rings — the chatoyance creates a powerful visual effect that makes the ring a conversation piece.
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Pendants with silver mounts — in a pendant, the chatoyance changes with the natural movement of the wearer.
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Wire wrap — the high hardness (6.5–7 Mohs) protects the tiger's eye surface from the wire during the setting process.
Tiger's eye in history
Romans wore tiger's eye carved into medallions as a protective amulet during military campaigns.
In crystal tradition, tiger's eye is associated with mental clarity, determination, and the ability to evaluate situations with equanimity. It is considered the stone for those who make decisions with a long-term vision.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine tiger's eye
Authentic chatoyance produces a moving, sharp band that shifts when the stone is rotated under direct light; imitations made of glass or resin show a diffuse or motionless shimmer. To the touch, the stone's temperature is noticeably lower than glass. The fibers of tiger's eye are visible under magnification as fine parallel lines beneath the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chatoyance visible in any light?
Chatoyance is most pronounced under direct light (direct sunlight, LED spotlight, workshop lamp). With diffuse light (cloudy day, indoors without direct spotlights) the band is less defined but still visible as a silky luster that differentiates the mineral from glass or resin.
Do all pieces in the lot of 5 have the same chatoyance?
Not exactly: each stone may vary slightly in band width and tonal range (from cooler amber to warmer golden brown). This variation is part of the mineral's natural character; it is not a defect.
Can it be used in an everyday ring?
Yes. With 6.5–7 Mohs, tiger's eye is suitable for everyday use. Avoid strong side impacts, which can fracture the cabochon like any quartz.
More about tiger's eye: properties, meaning, and uses. See also: all our cabochons · handmade rings.
