Blue Tiger’s Eye Sphere — Chatoyant Fibre Structure with Golden Core Feature
Blue Tiger’s Eye Sphere — Chatoyant Fibre Structure with Golden Core Feature
Blue Tiger’s Eye Sphere — Chatoyant Fibre Structure with Golden Core Feature
A striking blue tiger’s eye (hawk’s eye) sphere showing strong directional chatoyancy across a deep blue-green body, contrasted by a natural golden iron-rich core feature.
This piece clearly shows the fibrous internal structure responsible for tiger’s eye’s signature optical effect — where light reflects along aligned mineral fibres, creating that shifting, silky sheen as it moves.
The central circular feature is a natural variation within the material, likely linked to iron oxidation zones within the original fibrous formation.
🔍 Key Features
📍 Deep blue-green tiger’s eye (hawk’s eye) colouring
📍 Strong chatoyancy (silky light movement across surface)
📍 Distinct golden circular core feature
📍 Visible fibrous structure lines throughout
📍 Natural iron-rich banding and transitions
📍 High polish enhancing optical effect
📏 Dimensions
Diameter: 3 cm
Weight: 50 grams
🧪 Geological & Scientific Notes
Material: Tiger’s Eye (Blue variety / Hawk’s Eye)
Composition: Quartz pseudomorph after crocidolite
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
Mineral Class: Silicate
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7
Lustre: Silky to vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Tiger’s eye forms when silica replaces fibrous crocidolite (a blue asbestos mineral) while preserving its original fibrous structure.
That preserved fibre alignment is what creates the chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect) — light reflecting in bands across the surface.
The blue colour represents an earlier stage of formation before full oxidation turns the material golden-brown.
🧼 Care
Durable but avoid drops (can fracture along fibres)
Clean with a soft cloth
Avoid harsh chemicals
Store separately to maintain polish
💡 Why This Piece Stands Out
✔ Strong, clean chatoyancy across multiple angles
✔ Rare blue + gold contrast in one piece
✔ Eye-like central formation = instant talking point
✔ Compact but dense — feels solid for size
This is the type of piece people pick up and rotate straight away.