How Much is Tiger Eye Worth: Price and Value Guide 2024

Tiger eye bracelets are popular not only for its beauty but also for its association with qualities such as confidence, clarity, and strength. Because of this, the demand for the tiger eye stone has surged in recent years.

Understanding the worth of tiger eye is crucial for those seeking this gemstone to maximize its worth. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable insights into understanding the worth of this remarkable gemstone.

By the end of this post, you will learn how much is tiger eye worth and what value you’re getting from wearing this stone. You’ll also discover factors affecting its value and the different types of tiger eye and their prices in the market today.

How Much is Tiger Eye Worth?

The price of tiger eye ranges from $5 to $50 per carat.

The value of tiger eye can vary depending on several factors, including its quality, size, and color. In general, tiger eye is considered to be an affordable gemstone, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.

On average, a high-quality tiger eye gemstone can cost anywhere from $1 to $10 per carat. However, larger and more exceptional pieces can command higher prices. It's important to note that these prices are just estimates and can vary based on market demand and other factors.

Factors Affecting the Value of Tiger's Eye

Several factors come into play when determining the value of a tiger eye gemstone.

Color Variations and Their Impact on Value

The color of a tiger eye stone plays a significant role in determining its worth. Tiger's eye is known for its distinctive golden-brown hue, but it can also be found in other colors such as red, blue, and a mix of the three. The most valuable tiger eye stones are those with vibrant and intense colors that exhibit a high degree of chatoyancy, also known as the "cat's-eye effect." These stones reflect light in a way that creates a shimmering band or streak across the surface, adding to their allure and value.

Clarity and Transparency Considerations

Another factor that affects the value of tiger's eye is its clarity and transparency. While some gemstones are prized for their flawless appearance, tiger's eye often exhibits natural inclusions and variations within the stone. These imperfections can actually enhance the beauty and uniqueness of the stone, making it more desirable to collectors. However, excessive cloudiness or lack of transparency can diminish its value.

Size and Weight Affecting the Price

Like many gemstones, the size and weight of a tiger eye stone can significantly impact its price. Larger stones are generally rarer than smaller ones, which makes them more valuable. Larger stones provide more surface area for showcasing the unique chatoyancy effect that makes tiger's eye so captivating. As such, larger specimens command higher prices in the market.

Origin of the Stone

The origin of the tiger eye can also impact its value. While tiger eye can be found in various parts of the world including South Africa, Australia, India, and Brazil, certain origins are highly regarded for their superior quality. For instance, South African tiger eye is often considered among the finest due to its vibrant golden hues and strong chatoyancy.

Market Demand

It is also essential to note that market demand can influence the value of tiger's eye at any given time. If there is increased interest from collectors or if certain colors become trendy, the prices may rise accordingly. Conversely, if demand decreases, prices may become more affordable.

When determining how much a particular tiger eye stone is worth, it is important to consider these factors collectively rather than focusing solely on one aspect. For example, a smaller stone with exceptional color saturation and chatoyancy may be valued higher than a larger stone with less desirable qualities.

Types of Tiger Eye and Their Prices

As mentioned above, tiger eye comes in various colors, each with its own unique characteristics and price range. In this section, let’s explore the different colors of tiger eye and their perceived value in the market.

Gold Tiger Eye

Gold tiger eye is known for its captivating golden hues and shimmering bands that resemble the eyes of a tiger. This type of tiger eye exhibits a chatoyant effect, which means it displays a silky luster when viewed from different angles. The distinct chatoyancy adds to the allure of gold tiger eye, making it highly sought after by jewelry enthusiasts.

How Much is Gold Tiger Eye?

Several factors come into play. The color intensity, clarity, size, and overall quality influence its value. On average, gold tiger eye can range from $20 to $50 per carat. However, rare or exceptionally high-quality specimens can command even higher prices.

In comparison to other colors of tiger eye, gold tiger eye tends to be more valuable due to its popularity and scarcity. Its warm golden tones make it an excellent choice for jewelry pieces such as rings, pendants, and earrings.

Yellow Tiger Eye

Yellow tiger eye showcases vibrant yellow tones with mesmerizing chatoyant bands running through it. It often exhibits a silky sheen that enhances its visual appeal. This variety of tiger eye is renowned for its soothing properties and association with personal power and confidence.

How Much is Yellow Tiger Eye?

Yellow tiger eye can cost between $10 to $30 per carat. Like the gold variant, specimens or larger sizes may command higher prices.

Compared to other colors of tiger eye gemstones in the market today, yellow tiger eye falls within an affordable range. Its captivating appearance and positive energy make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially in bracelets and necklaces.

Blue Tiger Eye

Blue tiger eye, also known as hawk's eye or falcon's eye, showcases stunning blue hues with chatoyant bands that resemble the eyes of a bird of prey. This variety of tiger eye exhibits a unique shimmering effect that adds depth and intrigue to its appearance.

How Much is Blue Tiger Eye?

On average, blue tiger eye can range from $15 to $40 per carat. Like the other types, the price range for blue tiger eye can vary depending on color intensity, clarity, size, and overall quality. Rare or exceptionally high-quality specimens may also command higher prices.

Compared to other colors of tiger eye gemstones, blue tiger eye falls within a similar price range. Its alluring blue shades make it a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry designs.

Red Tiger Eye

Red tiger eye showcases fiery red tones with captivating chatoyant bands that add depth and movement to the gemstone. This variety is believed to enhance motivation, passion, and vitality when worn or used in jewelry pieces.

How Much is Red Tiger Eye?

Red tiger eye can cost between $10 to $30 per carat. However, exceptional specimens or larger sizes may command higher prices.

In comparison to other varieties of tiger eye gemstones available in the market today, red tiger eye falls within an affordable price range.

Tri-Color Tiger Eye characteristics

Tri-Color tiger eye is a unique gemstone that displays a mesmerizing combination of colors. It is characterized by its distinct bands of gold, red, and blue, which give it a striking and eye-catching appearance. The color variations in Tri-Color tiger eye are caused by the presence of different minerals and impurities during its formation process.

How Much is Tri-Color Tiger Eye?

Depending on the quality of the stone, tri-color tiger eye can fetch around $5 to $20 per carat.

Compared to single-colored tiger eye, this variant is cheaper. However, prices can go over $50 per carat for high-quality, rare pieces.

The Worth of Tiger Eye Beyond Its Price

Tiger eye gemstones hold significant symbolic meanings that go beyond their monetary value. In many cultures, the tiger eye is associated with strength, courage, and protection. It is believed to enhance one's willpower and confidence, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to boost their self-esteem and overcome challenges.

Healing Properties and Spiritual Significance

The tiger eye gemstone is known for its healing properties and spiritual significance. Many people wear the stone for the perceived  tiger eye bracelet benefits.

The stone is believed to promote harmony and balance within the body and mind. People also carry a tiger eye stone as a means of grounding themselves and finding inner peace.

The golden hues of the tiger eye are said to stimulate the solar plexus chakra, which is associated with personal power, motivation, and abundance. By aligning this chakra, the gemstone can help individuals tap into their inner strength and achieve their goals.

Furthermore, tiger eye is often considered a protective stone. It is believed to ward off negative energies and bring good luck to those who possess it. This makes it a popular choice for talismans or amulets meant to shield against adversity.

Cultural Significance Across Different Civilizations

Tiger eye gemstones have held cultural significance across various civilizations throughout history. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with the sun god Ra due to their golden hues resembling the sun's rays. They were often used in jewelry or carved into protective amulets.

In Chinese culture, tiger eye was highly regarded for its ability to bring wealth and prosperity. It was believed that wearing or displaying this gemstone would attract abundance into one's life.

Native American tribes also held the tiger eye in high regard. They saw it as a powerful talisman that provided protection during battles or hunting expeditions. The stone was believed to enhance focus and sharpen one's instincts, making it a valuable tool for survival.

The Value of Tiger Eye Gems

While the worth of tiger eye gemstones can vary depending on factors such as size, quality, and market demand, they are generally considered to be an affordable gemstone. Compared to precious gems like diamonds or emeralds, tiger eye is more accessible to a wider range of individuals.

The value of a tiger eye gemstone is not solely determined by its price tag but also by its unique characteristics and symbolism. Its rich golden hues and chatoyancy (the optical phenomenon that creates a shimmering effect) make it an attractive choice for jewelry enthusiasts looking for something distinctive.

Tips for Buying Tiger Eye

Identifying Genuine Tiger Eye

It's essential to be able to distinguish between genuine stones and imitations or synthetics. Genuine tiger eye is a type of quartz that exhibits unique chatoyancy, which is the shimmering effect caused by the reflection of light on parallel fibers within the stone.

To identify genuine tiger eye, look for these key characteristics:

1. Chatoyancy: Genuine tiger eye will display a distinct cat's-eye effect when viewed under proper lighting conditions. This effect is caused by the fibrous structure of the stone.
2. Color: Authentic tiger eye typically exhibits shades of golden-brown or reddish-brown with variations in intensity. Avoid stones that appear too uniform in color, as this may indicate an imitation.
3. Texture: Real tiger eye has a smooth and silky texture when touched. It should feel cool to the touch and not overly polished or slippery.
4. Transparency: While some degree of translucency is expected in tiger eye, excessive transparency may indicate an imitation stone.

If you wish to ensure you’re getting genuine tiger eye, refer to our guide on how to tell if tiger eye is real.

Evaluating Color, Clarity, and Overall Quality

When purchasing tiger eye gemstones, it's important to evaluate their color, clarity, and overall quality to ensure you're getting a valuable piece:

1. Color: Look for stones with vibrant and rich colors that exhibit depth and variation. High-quality tiger eye will have intense golden hues with well-defined bands or stripes.
2. Clarity: Tiger eye often contains natural inclusions such as fine lines or small mineral deposits that add character to the stone. However, avoid stones with excessive cracks or visible flaws that affect its durability.
3. Cut: Pay attention to how the stone has been cut and shaped. Well-cut tiger eye will have symmetrical patterns that enhance its chatoyancy and overall appearance.
4. Size: Consider the size of the tiger eye gemstone you're interested in. Larger stones are generally more valuable, but smaller sizes can still be desirable depending on their quality and uniqueness.

Trusted Sources and Reputable Sellers

To ensure you're purchasing authentic tiger eye gemstones of high quality, it's crucial to buy from trusted sources and reputable sellers. Here are a few tips:

1. Gemstone Dealers: Look for established gemstone dealers who specialize in sourcing and selling genuine tiger eye. They should have a reputation for providing accurate information about their products.
2. Certifications: Seek out sellers who provide certifications or guarantees of authenticity for their tiger eye gemstones. These documents can offer reassurance regarding the origin and quality of the stone.
3. Reviews and Recommendations: Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from experienced buyers or gemstone enthusiasts to find reliable sellers known for their integrity and commitment to quality.

Remember, buying tiger eye requires careful consideration of its unique characteristics, including chatoyancy, color, clarity, cut, and size. By following these tips and purchasing from trusted sources, you can confidently add genuine tiger eye gemstones to your collection.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, understanding the worth of tiger eye involves considering various factors such as color, clarity, size, and origin.

Different types of tiger eye also have different prices, with rarer varieties commanding higher values. However, the worth of tiger eye extends beyond its monetary value. This gemstone is believed to possess metaphysical properties that can promote balance, protection, and confidence.

If you're interested in buying tiger eye, it's essential to educate yourself about the gemstone and its characteristics. Look for reputable sellers who provide detailed information about the stone's quality and origin. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you're getting a genuine and valuable piece.

Whether you're a collector or simply appreciate the beauty of tiger eye, exploring this gemstone further can open up a world of fascinating knowledge and possibilities.

FAQs

How much is tiger eye worth?

The value of tiger eye varies depending on factors such as quality, size, and color. High-quality tiger eye can range from $5 to $50 per carat, while larger, rare specimens can fetch prices up to several hundred dollars.

What factors affect the value of tiger's eye?

The value of tiger's eye is influenced by its quality, including factors like clarity, color intensity, and chatoyancy (the cat's-eye effect). The size and shape of the stone can also impact its worth.

What are the types of tiger eye and their prices?

Common types of tiger eye include golden tiger eye, red tiger eye, blue tiger eye, and tri-color stones. Prices vary based on rarity and demand. Golden and red varieties are more common and affordable compared to blue tiger eye.

Is the worth of tiger eye limited to its price?

No, the worth of tiger eye extends beyond its monetary value. Tiger's eye is believed to possess metaphysical properties that promote courage, protection, and balance. It is often used in jewelry for its aesthetic appeal and symbolic significance.

Any tips for buying tiger eye?

When purchasing tiger's eye, consider factors like color consistency across the stone, absence of visible flaws or cracks, and a well-defined chatoyant band. Buying from reputable sources or gemstone dealers ensures authenticity and quality assurance.