Updated as of June 2026
Tiger's Eye
A golden-brown chatoyant quartz traditionally worn for courage, confidence, and protection.
Price range$2 to $40/ct
Hardness (Mohs)6.75
ColorsBrown, Gold, Yellow
BirthstoneNone
AltGems Score How we score
5.4/10
Tiger's Eye pros and cons
Pros
- Good durability (Mohs 6.75) for most jewelry
- Strong value for the look
- Usually sold untreated
Cons
- Softer at Mohs 6.75, best in protected settings
- Opaque, so it shows color rather than sparkle
Tiger's Eye is ideal for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings, and works in everyday rings with a protective setting.
Explore Tiger's Eye
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestTiger's Eye jewelry
Tiger's Eye ringsTiger's Eye engagement ringsTiger's Eye necklacesTiger's Eye pendantsTiger's Eye earringsTiger's Eye bracelets
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Setting this softer stone (Mohs 6.75) in an exposed daily-wear ring instead of a protective bezel or halo.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Durable. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged heat.
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Where to buy Tiger's Eye: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tiger's Eye?
A golden-brown chatoyant quartz traditionally worn for courage, confidence, and protection. It rates 6.75 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in brown, gold, yellow.
How much does Tiger's Eye cost?
Tiger's Eye typically runs about $2 to $40 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Tiger's Eye price guide for detail.
Is Tiger's Eye good for everyday jewelry?
It rates 6.75 on the Mohs scale, so it suits earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings better than daily rough use.
What is the AltGems Score for Tiger's Eye?
Tiger's Eye earns an overall AltGems Score of 5.4 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Tiger's Eye?
Durable. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged heat.