Spherical Tiger's Eye bead from South Africa with central drilling, 25 mm diameter.
Piece details
| Mineral |
Tiger's Eye (macrocrystalline quartz with pseudomorphosis of crocidolite; fibrous quartz family) |
| Dimensions |
Diameter 25 mm (sphere); central drilling approx. 2 mm (tolerance ±0.5 mm) |
| Shape and back |
Spherical with axial drilling |
| Finish |
Mirror polish on the entire surface |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for bracelets, necklaces, and pendants |
| Origin |
South Africa (world's leading producer of high-quality Tiger's Eye) |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment. The golden-brown color is intrinsic to the mineral, resulting from native iron oxides in the fibrous structure. |
| Type of piece |
Unique piece: the distribution of chatoyant bands varies in each bead |
This particular piece
At 25 mm in diameter, these beads clearly display chatoyancy even under diffused light: the golden bands move like a silky reflection when the piece is rotated.
The sphericity is the result of a controlled lapidary process: the Tiger's Eye section is progressively cut and polished into a spherical shape.
How Tiger's Eye chatoyancy forms
Tiger's Eye is the result of a mineral pseudomorphosis: crocidolite (a fibrous grayish-blue amphibole) is progressively replaced by silica, which crystallizes while preserving the parallel orientation of the original fibers.
What mounting it works for
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Bracelets with elastic thread or steel — at 25 mm, a single bead or a series with smaller beads creates a statement bracelet; 2 mm diameter thread or jewelry steel comfortably passes through the drilling.
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Focal necklace in 925 silver — the bead can be hung with a headpin in 925 silver or threaded onto a leather cord for use as a focal pendant; the 25 mm diameter gives presence without excessive weight.
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Macramé and decorative knots — the diameter accommodates macramé cord up to 1.5–2 mm; weaving around the bead preserves the visibility of chatoyancy from the front.
Tiger's Eye in lapidary tradition
Tiger's Eye was valued in ancient Rome as a stone of good luck and protection, especially among soldiers who wore amulets carved from this material on their breastplates and belts.
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 Tiger's Eye exhibits true chatoyancy: the band of light shifts when the stone is moved under a pinpoint light source and is visible from multiple angles.
Frequently asked questions
Is the golden color of Tiger's Eye dyed?
No detectable treatment. The golden-brown color is intrinsic to the mineral: it arises from iron oxides formed during the pseudomorphosis of crocidolite into quartz.
What thread or cord thickness does the drilling accommodate?
The drilling is approximately 2 mm in diameter. It accommodates nylon thread up to 1.5 mm, fine memory wire, 2 mm leather cord, and most standard lapidary threads.
Is chatoyancy visible from all angles?
The effect is maximal under direct pinpoint light (spotlight, sun) and varies with the angle: rotating the bead shifts the band of light. Under diffused ambient light, the effect is less pronounced.
Is this bead suitable for everyday wear bracelets?
Yes: with a hardness of 6.5–7 Mohs, Tiger's Eye resists daily wear well in a bracelet. It is advisable to avoid strong lateral impacts, as the fibrous structure may be somewhat more fragile perpendicular to the fibers than massive quartz.
Are the dimensions exact?
The nominal diameter is 25 mm with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm. Sphericity is high but not perfect as these are manually cut and polished pieces; small variations of ±0.3 mm in the profile are normal.
How to care for Tiger's Eye?
Clean with a soft damp cloth. No harsh detergents or ultrasonics. The fibrous structure can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes. More information at jewelry care.
See also: cabochon collection · all stones.
