How Much is Tiger Eye Worth by Color
Wondering how much is tiger eye worth? In this article, we will explore the price of tiger eye gemstones and the factors that determine their value.
Tiger eye is a mesmerizing stone with rich earthy tones that has captivated the hearts of gem enthusiasts for centuries. This quartz variety is renowned for its unique optical phenomenon, where a band of reflected light moves across the surface as the gem is viewed from different angles.
It features a silky luster and a dramatic blend of colors in different hues like golden yellow, or reddish-brown. Tiger eye has various properties, but its most important one is its healing properties and spiritual symbolism.
Whether you are thinking about buying one, or have a tiger eye at hand, let’s delve into the true worth of the stone and its various properties.
What is Tiger Eye
Tiger eye is a metamorphic rock that uniquely catches the light, creating a cat-eye effect known as chatoyancy. Because of this, its commonly used as a statement piece in jewelry and decoration pieces.
Tiger eye gemstones are not confined to a single hue; rather, they exhibit a spectrum of colors, each possessing its own distinct charm and market value.
The most common and widely appreciated color is golden brown, reminiscent of the fur of a tiger. This warm and inviting hue is often considered the classic and traditional shade of tiger eye.
However, the gemstone can also be found in other colors, such as red, blue, and green, although these variations are rarer.
Also read:
How Much is Tiger Eye Worth [By Color]
The color of the gemstone plays a pivotal role in determining its worth of Tiger eye. So, let’s take a look at some common colors and their price.
Golden Brown Tiger Eye
Golden brown tiger eye is the most prevalent and sought-after color in the market. Its warm, honey-like tones evoke a sense of richness and sophistication.
Stones with a deep, vibrant hue are generally more valuable than those with a paler appearance. Moreover, an even distribution of color across the entire surface of the gem enhances its desirability.
How much is a golden brown tiger eye worth: Because of its alluring and shiny appearance, a golden brown tiger eye is worth $2 to $100 per carat for pigmented stones.
Black Tiger Eye
Black Tiger Eye, also called Hawk’s Eye, is deep black in color and almost looks like midnight. Some stones are pure jet black, while some have dark blue bands depicting the night sky.
Under light, it also exhibits the chatoyant effect, making it look like the stone is looking into your soul.
How much is a black tiger eye worth: The price of a black tiger eye depends on various factors, but on average it is worth $2 to $5 per carat.
Blue Tiger Eye
Blue tiger eye, showcases shades of deep blue or indigo. This color is attributed to the presence of crocidolite fibers within the quartz.
The silky, chatoyant effect combined with the serene blue hues creates a gemstone that exudes tranquility and sophistication.
Blue tiger eye is highly prized among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, with its value influenced by the richness of its color and the prominence of the chatoyant effect.
How much is a blue tiger eye worth: The price of a blue tiger eye depends on various factors, but on average it is worth $1 to $5 per carat.
Green Tiger Eye
Green Tiger Eye displays shades ranging from olive green to dark forest green. The green coloration is often the result of the presence of iron within the quartz.
This verdant variety is valued for its connection to nature and is favored in jewelry designs that seek to evoke a sense of harmony and balance. The intensity and uniformity of the green color contribute significantly to the gemstone’s market value.
How much is a green tiger eye worth: The price of a green tiger eye depends on various factors, but on average it is worth $1 to $5 per carat.
Red Tiger Eye
Red tiger eye is a rare and distinctive variety that owes its color to the presence of hematite within the quartz. The deep red shades, ranging from brick red to mahogany, set this type of tiger eye apart from its more common counterparts.
Due to its scarcity, red tiger eye often commands a higher price in the market. The intensity and purity of the red coloration contribute significantly to the gemstone’s overall value.
How much is a red tiger eye worth: The price of a red tiger eye depends on various factors, but on average it is worth $3 to $150 per carat.
Multi-Colored Tiger Eye
Multi-colored tiger eye gemstones are bright and feature a kaleidoscope of colors, from golden, to red, blue, green, and purple, all in one stone.
These are mostly used in jewelry and it has a cat-eye effect when light reflects on them, making them mesmerizing to look at.
How much is a multi-colored tiger eye worth: The price of a multi-colored tiger eye depends on various factors, but on average it is worth $1 to $3 per carat.
Factors Influencing Tiger Eye Gemstone Prices
While color is a primary determinant of a tiger eye gemstone’s value, several other factors come into play when assessing its market worth. Understanding these factors can help both buyers and sellers navigate the market with greater clarity.
1. Size and Carat
As with many gemstones, the size and carat weight of a tiger eye also contributes to its market value. Larger stones are generally more valuable, especially if they exhibit vibrant color and clarity.
However, it’s essential to note that smaller stones with exceptional quality can still command high prices.
2. Cut
The cut and shape of a tiger eye gemstone influence its overall aesthetic and market value. Well-proportioned, symmetrical cuts that maximize the stone’s chatoyant effect are highly desirable.
Popular shapes for tiger eye include cabochons and beads, allowing the gem to showcase its unique optical phenomenon.
3. Clarity
The clarity of a tiger eye gemstone refers to the presence of any inclusions or imperfections within the stone. Ideally, gemstones with minimal inclusions and high transparency are considered more valuable.
However, some inclusions, such as those resembling the fibers of the tiger eye, can enhance the stone’s appeal and are accepted in certain cases.
4. Origin
The geographic origin of a tiger eye gemstone can impact its value. Certain regions are known for producing tiger eye with specific characteristics, and stones from these locations may be more highly prized.
However, as with other gemstones, the impact of origin on price can vary, and individual preferences play a crucial role in determining value.
5. Heat Treatment
Tiger eye gemstones are commonly heat-treated to enhance their color and chatoyancy. While this is an accepted industry practice, transparency about any treatment is crucial.
Untreated, natural stones are generally considered more valuable, but well-disclosed treatments that enhance the gem’s appearance may still command a good market value.
6. Market Demand
Market trends and consumer demand play a pivotal role in determining the price of tiger eye gemstones. Rare colors, such as red and blue tiger eye, may experience higher demand, driving up their market value.
Conversely, fluctuations in consumer preferences or economic conditions can impact the overall demand for tiger eye gemstones.
FAQs
How much is a real tiger eye worth?
Unique and beautiful pieces of tiger eye and tiger eye jewelry often fetch thousands of dollars, and a few pieces are often sold for over $5,000.
Why is tiger eye so expensive?
The value of the tiger eye depends on the quality, coloring, and cut of each stone. Some rare pieces often fetch thousands of dollars, while some cost only a few dollars per carat.
How can you tell if tiger eye is real?
To tell if your Tiger eye stone is real or fake, look for the cat eye effect. Real tiger eye should have a shiny stripe running through them, known as cat-eye.
Conclusion
In the world of gemstones, tiger eye stands out for its captivating chatoyancy and diverse array of colors. From the classic golden brown to the rare red and the serene blue and green, each hue brings its own charm to the gemstone.
Understanding the factors that contribute to the value of tiger eye is crucial for both buyers and sellers in navigating the market.
Whether you’re a collector seeking a unique addition to your gemstone collection or a jeweler crafting a bespoke piece, delving into the nuances of tiger eye can open a world of possibilities and appreciation for this extraordinary gem.
