Specimen #2396

Name: Tiger's Eye (unusual reddish color)

Type: Gem

Locality: North Cape Province, South Africa

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 19.87 x 8.96 mm

Weight: 5.47 ct

Acquired: 2012-02-03

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: N

Comment: Photo does not do justice to this gem. Tiger's Eye is known from only a few localities in the world, and most popularly from South Africa. This material gets its name from the obvious resemblence to the black and gold stripes of a Tiger, along with chatoyant "Cat's Eye" effect. These gems are a form of Chalcedony which is included by fibrous needels of the Amphibole Riebeckite (var: "Crocidolite"). This particular gem is a gorgeous Tiger's Eye stone showing brilliant flashes of rarely seen reddish-gold (typically the stripes are more of a yellow-gold color) against a brownish-black background. When the stone is rotated in the light, it shows several "Eyes" that dance around. The gem has an elongated "Oval Cabochon" cut and despite the beautiful color, it is essentially opaque. Enjoy.

Minerals: Chalcedony

There is one picture on file

M02396-01.jpg:

Tiger's Eye, North Cape Province, South Africa - FOV: 13.5 x 20.3 mm - 5.47 ct