It is formed by the alteration of crocidolite. Serpentine deposits in which are occasionally found chatoyant bands of chrysotile fibres have been found in the US states of Arizona and California. These have been cut and sold as "Arizona tiger-eye" and "California tiger's eye" gemstones.

Is Tigers Eye natural?

Tiger's eye is usually opaque and found naturally in a brown or golden brown color, though it can be dyed any color from pink to green to navy blue. It is mined primarily in Africa, but is also found in Brazil, Australia, and some parts of the United States.

How is Tigers Eye formed?

Tiger's eye is formed when parallel veins of crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibres are first altered to iron oxides and then replaced by silica. As a result it is more opaque, and has a rich yellow to brown colour. When cut en cabuchon , the gem has a fine lustre.