# Red Tiger's Eye: Properties, Heat Treatment & Jewellery UK **By Cristian Maxim** · 2021-04-24 Red Tiger's Eye is not a separate stone. It is golden Tiger's Eye at a different point in its colour story. The warm brown-gold of standard Tiger's Eye becomes deep red-brown when the iron oxide inside the stone is heated, completing a chemical transformation that happens naturally over geological time but can be reproduced in hours in a kiln. Understanding this transformation is the key to understanding Red Tiger's Eye: what it is, why it looks the way it does, and what makes a high-quality piece. ## What is Red Tiger's Eye? Red Tiger's Eye is golden Tiger's Eye (quartz with iron oxide, SiO2) that has undergone heat treatment to change the colour of its iron oxide content from golden-brown to deep red-brown. The mineral composition, crystal structure, fibre arrangement and Mohs hardness are identical to standard Tiger's Eye. The only difference is in the oxidation state of the iron oxide within the stone. The same stone is also called Dragon's Eye, a trade name that appears to have originated in parts of Asia and has spread through the jewellery market. Both names refer to the same heat-treated material. Natural red Tiger's Eye exists but is rare. In natural red specimens, the colour change has occurred through geological oxidation over millions of years rather than through controlled heat treatment. Commercial Red Tiger's Eye is almost always heat-treated; this is standard practice, universally acknowledged in the trade, and does not reduce the stone's quality or durability. ## The science of the colour change The colour difference between golden and red Tiger's Eye comes down to one chemical change: the conversion of goethite to hematite. In golden Tiger's Eye, the iron oxide present is primarily goethite (FeOOH), a yellow-brown hydrated iron oxide mineral. Goethite is responsible for the characteristic warm gold-brown colour of standard Tiger's Eye. When the stone is heated to temperatures between approximately 200 and 400 degrees Celsius, the goethite loses its water molecules and converts to hematite (Fe2O3), a red iron oxide. This is the same chemical reaction that causes iron to rust red rather than rust brown under different conditions. Hematite is a deep red mineral, the same one that gives red ochre its colour and that has been used as a red pigment since prehistoric times. When hematite replaces goethite within the Tiger's Eye fibre structure, the stone takes on a deep red-brown to brick red colour. The fibre alignment that produces chatoyancy is entirely unaffected by the temperature change. Heat treatment of Tiger's Eye: goethite to hematite transformation A diagram showing two stages of iron oxide in Tiger's Eye. Left: golden Tiger's Eye with goethite (FeOOH), yellow-brown iron oxide, producing warm gold-brown colour. Centre: heat treatment arrow showing 200 to 400 degrees Celsius applied. Right: Red Tiger's Eye with hematite (Fe2O3), deep red iron oxide, producing red-brown colour. The chatoyancy and fibre structure remain unchanged throughout. How heat treatment changes Tiger's Eye colour Golden Tiger's Eye Iron oxide = goethite (FeOOH) Yellow-brown hydrated iron oxide Heat treatment 200 to 400°C FeOOH becomes Fe2O3 + H2O Goethite loses water, becomes hematite Red Tiger's Eye Iron oxide = hematite (Fe2O3) Deep red anhydrous iron oxide ### Physical properties at a glance - **Base mineral:** Tiger's Eye (quartz SiO2 with fibrous pseudomorphic structure) - **Colour:** Deep red-brown to brick red; varies by treatment temperature and source material - **Mohs hardness:** 6.5 to 7, identical to golden Tiger's Eye - **Optical effect:** Chatoyancy (cat's eye), visible in cabochon cut, identical to golden Tiger's Eye - **Treatment:** Heat treatment (200 to 400 degrees Celsius) converting goethite to hematite; standard trade practice - **Origin of source material:** South Africa (Northern Cape), same deposits as golden Tiger's Eye - **Also known as:** Dragon's Eye ## Natural vs heat-treated Red Tiger's Eye Almost all Red Tiger's Eye sold commercially is heat-treated. Natural red Tiger's Eye, where geological oxidation has produced red hematite without human intervention, does exist but is uncommon and not reliably distinguishable from heat-treated material by visual inspection alone. Laboratory analysis (thermal luminescence testing or spectroscopy) can distinguish the two, but this is not practical for everyday jewellery purchasing. For practical purposes, assume any Red Tiger's Eye you purchase is heat-treated unless the seller specifically states otherwise and can provide documentation. Heat treatment is acknowledged openly in the gem trade and reduces neither the stone's quality, durability nor chatoyancy. It is the same chemical transformation that occurs naturally in red Tiger's Eye specimens; it simply happens faster. ## Colour range in Red Tiger's Eye Red Tiger's Eye is not a single uniform colour. The treatment temperature and the iron content of the source material both affect the final result. Lower treatment temperatures tend to produce lighter, more russet or burnt-orange tones. Higher temperatures or more iron-rich source material produce deeper brick red and burgundy-brown tones. The dark banding pattern of the original Tiger's Eye remains visible through the red colouration, creating the characteristic alternating dark and warm-red bands. The chatoyant band in Red Tiger's Eye can appear slightly different to the golden variety under certain light conditions. Under warm incandescent light, the red tones are amplified and the chatoyancy appears particularly dramatic. Under cool blue-white LED light, the stone can appear more brown-red with a less saturated chatoyancy. This is a characteristic of the hematite-based colour, not a quality defect. Red Tiger's Eye colour range and comparison with similar stones Top row: three colour panels showing the Red Tiger's Eye colour range from light russet-orange (lower treatment temperature) to standard brick red to deep burgundy-brown (higher temperature or iron-rich source). Bottom row: comparison with Red Jasper (opaque, uniform red, no chatoyancy), Garnet (dark red, transparent, no banding) and Carnelian (translucent orange-red, no chatoyancy). Red Tiger's Eye: colour range Light russet-orange Lower treatment temp Standard brick red Most common commercial grade Deep burgundy-brown Higher temp or iron-rich source How Red Tiger's Eye compares to similar red stones Red Tiger's Eye Banded, chatoyant Red Jasper Uniform, no chatoyancy Red Garnet Transparent, no banding Carnelian Translucent, uniform Red Obsidian Glassy, volcanic ## Red Tiger's Eye vs similar stones: how to tell them apart Red Tiger's Eye is frequently confused with other red or dark-red stones in bead form. The key distinguishing feature is always chatoyancy: only Tiger's Eye (in its golden, red and blue varieties) produces the moving band of light when tilted under a directional light source. None of the following stones show chatoyancy: - **Red Jasper:** Opaque, deep brownish-red, uniform colour with no banding and no chatoyancy. Surface has a dull, waxy appearance rather than the silky lustre of polished Tiger's Eye fibres. - **Red Garnet (Almandine):** Deep red to burgundy, transparent to semi-transparent, with a glassy vitreous lustre and no fibrous structure. Faceted garnets sparkle; Tiger's Eye does not. - **Carnelian:** Warm orange to red-orange, translucent, uniform colour with no banding and no chatoyancy. Slightly waxy surface rather than silky. - **Dyed Howlite or Dyed Agate:** Sometimes dyed red and sold as other stones. Dyed stones often show colour concentrated in natural cracks and may have unnaturally even colouration. Real Red Tiger's Eye has visible banding running through it. If you tilt a bracelet bead under a lamp and see a moving band of light: it is Tiger's Eye in one of its varieties. If there is no moving band: it is a different stone. **Shop Red Tiger's Eye at Crystals Healing UK** Red Tiger's Eye bracelets, necklaces and loose stones. Handmade in the UK, free delivery on orders over £30. [View Tiger's Eye collection](/collections/tigers-eye-crystals) [All crystal jewellery](/collections/crystal-jewellery) ## Red Tiger's Eye in jewellery ### Why Red Tiger's Eye works particularly well in dark-stone jewellery Red Tiger's Eye occupies a specific visual position that golden Tiger's Eye does not: it bridges warm red-brown tones and deep dark stones. This makes it particularly effective in dark-stone combination bracelets where a pure black stone (obsidian, black tourmaline) needs a transitional colour before a brighter accent. The red-brown of Red Tiger's Eye provides that transition naturally. ### Red Tiger's Eye for men's jewellery Red Tiger's Eye is one of the most popular stones in men's crystal bracelets. The deep red-brown is distinctly masculine without being overtly bright, and the chatoyancy adds visual movement to an otherwise dark piece. It is most commonly paired with black stones (black tourmaline, obsidian, black onyx) and metallic stones (pyrite, hematite) in men's stretch bracelets. Browse our [men's crystal jewellery](/collections/men-crystal-jewellery) for Red Tiger's Eye bracelet options. ### Bracelet combinations with Red Tiger's Eye Red Tiger's Eye works in a more specific range of pairings than golden Tiger's Eye due to its deeper, cooler colour: - **Black Tourmaline (Mohs 7 to 7.5):** Deep black against brick red. The most common men's bracelet pairing. Durable combination, both stones at similar hardness. - **Black Obsidian (Mohs 5 to 5.5):** Very glossy black against the silky red-brown banding. High visual contrast. Obsidian is softer, so minor surface contact marks may develop over time. - **Golden Tiger's Eye (Mohs 6.5 to 7):** Alternating red-brown and gold-brown bands of the same mineral structure. A classic combination where chatoyancy changes tone between beads. Identical hardness, perfect durability match. - **Hematite (Mohs 5 to 6.5):** Metallic silver-grey against deep red-brown. A striking contrast that picks up the iron connection between the two stones (both contain iron oxide). Hematite is slightly softer. - **Garnet (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5):** Deep red to burgundy transparent stone alongside the opaque banded red of Tiger's Eye. Two interpretations of red in the same piece. ### Pendant and necklace use Red Tiger's Eye oval cabochons in sterling silver settings are popular in pendant necklaces. The chatoyancy is particularly visible in pendants because the stone moves freely. The deep red-brown tone pairs well with both silver (cool contrast) and gold-tone (warm harmony) metals. View our [crystal necklaces](/collections/crystal-necklaces) for pendant options. ## How to care for Red Tiger's Eye Care requirements are identical to golden Tiger's Eye. The heat treatment does not affect water resistance, durability or care needs. ### Cleaning Clean with a soft damp cloth or mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. The heat treatment is permanent and is not reversed by normal water or household cleaning products. ### Colour stability The hematite-based red colour is chemically stable under normal conditions. Heat treatment converts goethite to hematite permanently; the colour does not revert to golden when the stone is at room temperature. Extended exposure to very strong heat (such as prolonged contact with a heat source) is the only condition that could theoretically affect the colour, but this is not a concern in normal jewellery wear or storage. ### Storage Store separately from harder stones (topaz, sapphire, diamond). A soft pouch or padded compartment prevents surface scratching. Its Mohs 6.5 to 7 hardness means it will scratch softer stones such as calcite or malachite if stored together. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Red Tiger's Eye natural or fake? Red Tiger's Eye is a real natural stone (Tiger's Eye, a genuine quartz mineral) that has been heat-treated to change the colour of its iron oxide content. Heat treatment is a standard, widely acknowledged practice in the gem trade. The mineral is genuine; the colour is produced by a controlled heating process that accelerates a natural geological oxidation reaction. Heat-treated Red Tiger's Eye is not a fake or imitation. ### What is the difference between Red Tiger's Eye and golden Tiger's Eye? They are the same mineral: pseudomorphic quartz with iron oxide, formed from crocidolite. The difference is in the iron oxide type. Golden Tiger's Eye contains goethite (yellow-brown FeOOH). Red Tiger's Eye contains hematite (red Fe2O3), produced when goethite is heated above approximately 200 degrees Celsius and loses its water molecules. Hardness, structure and chatoyancy are identical. See our full guide to [Tiger's Eye properties](/blogs/crystals-tips/tigers-eye). ### What is Dragon's Eye stone? Dragon's Eye is a trade name for Red Tiger's Eye. The name is used primarily in Asian jewellery markets and has spread through the wider gem trade. Dragon's Eye and Red Tiger's Eye refer to the same heat-treated Tiger's Eye material with deep red-brown colouring. ### Can Red Tiger's Eye go in water? Yes. Red Tiger's Eye has Mohs hardness 6.5 to 7 and does not react with plain water. The heat treatment is permanent and is not affected by water. Clean briefly if needed, rinse and dry. Avoid prolonged soaking and salt water. ### How do I tell Red Tiger's Eye from Red Jasper? Tilt the stone under a single directional light source. Red Tiger's Eye will show a moving band of reflected light (chatoyancy) travelling across the surface. Red Jasper shows no chatoyancy and has a uniform, non-banded colour with a waxy or dull lustre rather than the silky fibre lustre of Tiger's Eye. If there is no moving band of light, it is not Tiger's Eye. ### Does heat treatment affect Red Tiger's Eye quality? Heat treatment does not reduce quality. Hardness, chatoyancy, durability and care requirements are identical to untreated golden Tiger's Eye. The colour is chemically stable under normal conditions. Heat treatment is acknowledged openly in the trade and is considered a standard colour enhancement, not a deceptive practice. ### Where can I buy Red Tiger's Eye jewellery in the UK? Crystals Healing UK offers Red Tiger's Eye bracelets, necklaces and loose stones, handmade in the UK with free delivery on orders over £30. Browse our [Tiger's Eye collection](/collections/tigers-eye-crystals) for Red Tiger's Eye options, read our main [Tiger's Eye guide](/blogs/crystals-tips/tigers-eye) and our [Blue Tiger's Eye guide](/blogs/crystals-tips/how-to-get-ahead-with-blue-tigers-eye), or view the full [crystal jewellery range](/collections/crystal-jewellery). **Tags:** adiction, Red Tiger Eye, Tiger Eye, Tigereye, Tiger’s Eye --- > Source: [Crystals Healing UK](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/red-tiger-eye)