Is Colored Tiger’s Eye Real? Unveiling the Truth Behind Vibrant Gemstones
Colored Tiger’s Eye is often the result of treatments, particularly heat, to alter its natural golden-brown hue, but technically, yes, it is real Tiger’s Eye that has undergone a process. While naturally occurring color variations do exist, the intensely vibrant blues, reds, and greens often seen are typically achieved through artificial enhancement.
Understanding Natural Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s Eye is a chatoyant gemstone – meaning it exhibits a shimmering, cat’s-eye effect – that’s a member of the quartz family. Its characteristic golden-brown color is due to iron oxide inclusions, specifically limonite. These inclusions are arranged in parallel fibers, creating the chatoyancy.
- Composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster: Silky, vitreous
- Chatoyancy: The defining feature
The Coloring Process: How Tiger’s Eye Gets Its Hues
While some natural variations exist, the dramatic colors we often see – intense blues, reds, and greens – are generally the result of heat treatment and, less commonly, dyeing.
- Heat Treatment: This is the most common method.
- Red Tiger’s Eye (also known as Ox Eye) is created by heating golden Tiger’s Eye. The heat oxidizes the iron, turning it red.
- Blue Tiger’s Eye (also known as Hawk’s Eye) can sometimes be lightened or slightly altered in tone with heat, but true, intensely blue Tiger’s Eye is typically dyed. However, hawk’s eye is a naturally forming process that creates blue hue.
- Dyeing: Less frequent, but can produce a wider range of colors, including greens and purples. Dyeing is generally less desirable because the color can fade or wear off over time.
Identifying Treated vs. Natural Tiger’s Eye
Determining whether a Tiger’s Eye has been treated can be tricky, but here are some clues:
- Color Intensity: Extremely vibrant or unnatural colors are a red flag. Natural Tiger’s Eye tends to have more subtle, earthy tones.
- Color Consistency: Check for uneven coloring, particularly in crevices or along fracture lines, which can indicate dyeing.
- Price: Artificially colored Tiger’s Eye is typically less expensive than rarer, naturally colored variations (such as high-quality Pietersite, a related stone).
- Microscopic Examination: Gemologists can often identify treatments using microscopic analysis to look for dye concentrations or heat-induced changes.
Ethical Considerations and Transparency
It’s crucial for sellers to be transparent about whether Tiger’s Eye has been treated. The value and desirability can vary depending on whether the color is natural or artificially enhanced. As a consumer, always ask the seller if the stone has been treated, and be wary of unusually low prices or overly vibrant colors.
Comparing Natural vs. Treated Tiger’s Eye
| Feature | Natural Tiger’s Eye | Treated Tiger’s Eye |
|---|---|---|
| ——————- | ——————————— | ————————————– |
| Color | Golden-brown, sometimes with blue or gray variations | Vibrant reds, blues, greens, purples |
| Color Intensity | More subtle and earthy | Often very intense and saturated |
| Price | Varies; generally more expensive | Typically less expensive |
| Durability | High | High (unless dyed) |
| Value | Can be higher depending on quality | Generally lower |
The Popularity of Colored Tiger’s Eye
Despite being treated, colored Tiger’s Eye remains popular due to its affordability and aesthetic appeal. The vibrant colors offer a wider range of options for jewelry making and crystal healing practices. However, understanding that it’s been treated is important for making informed purchasing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is dyed Tiger’s Eye durable?
Dyed Tiger’s Eye can be durable, but the dye itself is susceptible to fading or wearing off over time, especially with exposure to sunlight, water, or chemicals. Therefore, proper care is essential to maintain its color.
Does heat treatment affect the metaphysical properties of Tiger’s Eye?
This is a subject of debate among crystal healers. Some believe that any alteration, including heat treatment, can diminish or alter the stone’s metaphysical properties. Others believe that the underlying energy of the Tiger’s Eye remains, regardless of color enhancement.
How can I tell if my Tiger’s Eye is real or fake?
Genuine Tiger’s Eye exhibits chatoyancy, a shimmering effect when rotated in light. Look for this characteristic. Fake stones often lack this depth. Also, examine the texture; real Tiger’s Eye feels smooth and cool to the touch.
What is the difference between Tiger’s Eye and Hawk’s Eye?
Hawk’s Eye (also known as Blue Tiger’s Eye) is a related stone with a bluish-gray color due to incomplete silicification of crocidolite fibers. While blue Tiger’s Eye can sometimes be created through treatments, Hawk’s Eye forms naturally.
Is there a “Pink” Tiger’s Eye?
While not a standard variety, pink or purplish Tiger’s Eye can be achieved through dyeing. These colors are not naturally occurring.
Can Tiger’s Eye be green?
Naturally occurring green Tiger’s Eye is exceptionally rare. Most green Tiger’s Eye on the market is artificially colored, typically through dyeing.
How do I care for my Tiger’s Eye jewelry?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Store separately to prevent scratches.
What is “Pietersite,” and how is it related to Tiger’s Eye?
Pietersite is another chatoyant gemstone related to Tiger’s Eye. It’s composed of crocidolite fibers embedded in quartz, but the fibers are brecciated (broken and re-cemented), creating a chaotic, swirling appearance. High-quality Pietersite can be quite valuable.
Is Is colored Tigers Eye real more expensive than natural Tiger’s Eye?
Generally, naturally colored Tiger’s Eye is more expensive than artificially colored varieties, especially if the natural color is rare or highly desirable. However, the quality of the stone and the craftsmanship of any jewelry also contribute to the price.
What are the metaphysical properties associated with Tiger’s Eye?
Tiger’s Eye is often associated with courage, strength, and protection. It is believed to enhance willpower, promote clarity of thought, and ground energy.
Where is Tiger’s Eye typically found?
Tiger’s Eye is found in various locations worldwide, including South Africa, Australia, India, and the United States.
Is all Is colored Tigers Eye real safe to wear?
Yes, treated Tiger’s Eye is generally safe to wear. However, if you have sensitive skin, be aware that some dyes might cause irritation. Always purchase from reputable sources to ensure the treatment is stable and non-toxic.