Tiger Eye Slab

Liquid Gold in Stone

Tiger eye is one of nature’s most kinetic stones. The phenomenon known as chatoyancy — a silky, shifting band of light that moves across the surface as you change your viewing angle — gives this slab an almost supernatural quality. It appears to be alive, rippling with golden light.

The Science of Shimmer

Chatoyancy occurs because tiger eye is composed of parallel fibres of crocidolite (blue asbestos) that have been naturally replaced by quartz while retaining their fibrous structure. When polished, these aligned fibres reflect light in a single band that appears to glide across the surface. The result is a stone that looks different from every angle.

Where It Excels

Tiger eye is opaque, so backlighting is not applicable. Instead, it thrives under direct and ambient lighting:

• Kitchen countertops — the warm golden tones create an inviting cooking space
• Conference tables — a surface that commands attention in any boardroom
• Feature walls — under spotlighting, the chatoyant effect is at its most dramatic
• Fireplace surrounds — the warm amber tones complement the glow of a hearth

Durability

At Mohs 7, tiger eye is among the hardest semi-precious stones available for architectural applications. It resists scratching, handles heat well, and requires minimal maintenance compared to softer decorative stones.