8.90 Ct. Cabochon Tiger's Eye from South Africa

This listing presents one beautiful opaque 8.90 carat oval golden brown tiger's eye, measuring 19.77 by 14.79 by 3.92 millimeters, fashioned as a classic cabochon, clarity graded opaque at eye level, color intensity recorded as not applicable, polish evaluated as excellent, and free of any enhancements. Sourced from South Africa, this specimen displays the warm golden brown chatoyant bands that define high quality tiger's eye. Tiger's eye is a variety of quartz that preserves a fibrous structure, and the distinctive silky chatoyancy arises from the parallel alignment of fibrous inclusions and the reflection of light from those fibers. The cabochon cut is the traditional and most effective way to present that optical band, and the oval outline of this stone provides a broad surface to showcase the moving, silky line of light that shifts when the gem is viewed from different angles. At 8.90 carats this piece has substantial visual presence without becoming bulky, making it an excellent choice for a statement ring, a pendant that sits comfortably against the chest, or for a designer who wishes to set it as the focal point in a custom piece.

When assessing tiger's eye for quality, several objective traits are important, and this gem performs well across those criteria. Clarity for this material is generally reported as opaque at standard eye level inspection, and that is a neutral and expected grade rather than a fault. In tiger's eye the value comes from the strength and sharpness of the chatoyant band, the uniformity of the color zones, and the smoothness of the surface polish. This cabochon exhibits an excellent polish that enhances surface luster and allows the chatoyancy to read crisply. The golden brown tones are rich and layered, with darker brown bands providing contrast that intensifies the chatoyant effect. Minor natural surface features or tiny mineral flecks may be visible under close inspection, and these are typical characteristics of natural tiger's eye, confirming its authenticity and natural origin. The fact that this gem has received no enhancements further increases its appeal to collectors and buyers who prioritize untreated material, because untreated tiger's eye retains original optical properties and long term stability without the risk of color alteration through dyeing or heat treatment.

The South African origin of this tiger's eye adds an important provenance factor for the informed buyer. South Africa is among the established sources for high quality tiger's eye, and the geology there typically produces specimens with strong golden chatoyancy and well defined banding. At the mineralogical level tiger's eye forms when fibrous crocidolite is pseudomorphed by silica, a process in which the original fibrous amphibole is gradually replaced by fine quartz while preserving the parallel fibrous texture, and subsequent iron staining and oxidation create the warm golden to brown palette. For a collector or jeweler, knowing the origin helps set expectations for color palette and optical strength, and it also informs sourcing decisions when provenance and responsible supply chains matter. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document origin information for our pieces, and we make every effort to offer responsibly sourced material with transparent descriptions, because traceability and ethical procurement are increasingly important considerations for buyers who care about both aesthetics and supply chain integrity.

For the educated buyer considering this tiger's eye for a commission or for resale, there are several practical reasons this example is valuable. The gem is durable for everyday wear thanks to the inherent hardness of quartz around 7 on the Mohs scale, and it takes a high polish that keeps the chatoyant band lively over time. The dimensions and cabochon thickness make it well suited to bezel settings or secure prong mounts designed to protect the girdle and polish lines, and the oval shape lends itself to classic and contemporary design languages alike. Buyers should consider that color and chatoyancy are best appreciated under directional light, so display or lighting choices will strongly influence perceived beauty. Care is straightforward, using warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, acids, or extreme heat, and avoiding aggressive ultrasonic cleaning that can risk damage to internal structure in some quartz varieties. If you would like additional high resolution images, views under different lighting, or guidance on ideal mounting options, please contact The Natural Gemstone Company, and our gem specialists will provide detailed assistance and documentation to support your purchase decision.