Red Tiger Eye Cabochon Value Guide

The Red Tiger Eye cabochon, often called Dragon's Eye, is a striking metamorphic gemstone prized for its intense mahogany color and silky luster. These modern South African specimens are created through the controlled heating of golden tiger's eye, which oxidizes the internal iron oxide to produce its signature fiery appearance.

What affects the value of Red Tiger Eye Cabochon?

• Intensity and uniformity of the red-to-brown color saturation throughout the stone.
• The sharpness and visibility of the chatoyant band across the surface of the cabochon.
• Overall surface quality, including the absence of visible cracks, pits, or dull spots in the polish.
• The precision of the oval cut and symmetry of the dome height.

How to Identify Red Tiger Eye Cabochon?

• Look for the distinct chatoyant 'cat's eye' effect that shifts as the stone is rotated under light.
• Verify the deep reddish-brown to mahogany color palette resulting from oxidized iron content.
• Check for a smooth, domed cabochon polish that highlights the internal fibrous quartz structure.
• Confirm the origin as South Africa, the primary source for high-quality tiger's eye material.

History of Red Tiger Eye Cabochon

Tiger's eye is a metamorphic rock that is formed when crocidolite fibers are replaced by silica. The red variety, often referred to as Dragon's Eye, is typically created by heating natural golden tiger's eye. This process oxidizes the iron content, resulting in a deep mahogany or reddish-brown hue. Historically, it has been used as an amulet for strength and courage.