Unique Tiger Eye Countertop: Everything You Need to Know
In a conversation about gemstones, quartz stones often take the spotlight. This is because of their translucent allure and varied aesthetics.
However, in this article, we’ll be zeroing in on a particular type of quartz stone called “Tiger’s Eye”. This is a gem that captures the warmth of amber and the richness of gold, while still shimmering like a cat’s eye.
Mostly utilized for countertop construction and stone cladding, Tiger’s Eye often feels like a piece of natural art in a home that you fall in love with any time you look at it. The unique, glowing patterns and deep, earthy tones ooze luxury and style.
Did you recently fantasize about Tiger’s eye and want to use it to refurbish your countertop? Buckle up, let’s fill you in on all you need to know about Tiger’s eye gemstones for countertops.
Gemstone Countertops: What Sets Tiger’s Eye Apart from Other Rare Stones
Your home aesthetic is definitely way above average if your countertops are made with gemstones. Almost anyone can recognize how good these unique stone materials are. Popular and precious ones like sapphire, emerald, diamond, and ruby, already show their breathtaking beauty.
Tiger’s Eye in particular, which is also a gemstone, has amazing golden-brown colors and the cool cat’s eye effect, hence the name. This cool brown and gold reflective appeal is as a result of some fibrous inclusion inside the stone, showing an illusion of light and shadow when you move around it. This visual play is something you won’t find in most countertop materials like granite or marble.
And with gemstone countertops, it’s not about looks alone. Gemstones are incredibly tough and resistant to scratches and stains, making them more durable than your typical countertop materials.
Besides, every slab is totally unique due to the natural color and pattern variations. Many of these gemstones have been used in ancient rituals so they hold special meanings in different cultures. This can also add a vintage charm to your kitchen design—or wherever you choose to use them.
Alternative Options To Use for Gemstone Countertops Asides from Tiger Eye
- Amethyst: Coming in rich purple hues, amethyst adds a touch of luxury and elegance. It’s durable but may require regular sealing.
- Lapis Lazuli: This gemstone comes with deep blue tones with flecks of gold that give a striking and sophisticated look. Lapis Lazuli is softer and may need extra care.
- Malachite: With vibrant green colors and unique banding, malachite provides a dramatic and eye-catching appearance. This gemstone also requires careful maintenance.
- Onyx: Onyx is already popular for its swirling patterns and translucent quality, which creates a visually stunning effect. This gemstone should always be handled gently and sealed regularly.
- Moonstone: Moonstone has a captivating play of light with its opalescent sheen. It adds a touch of mystique to countertops but is more delicate and requires careful maintenance.
Top Picks: 8 Best Tiger Eye Slabs to Consider for Your Countertops Construction
Blue Tiger Eye
blue tiger eye slab
If you want a very calm yet stylish look for your kitchen and bathroom countertops, then this Blue Tiger Eye is the perfect choice. This stone, with its striking blue hues and subtle chatoyancy (that cat’s eye effect) gives that refreshing feel to any space, helping you focus and clear your mind.
With a hardness scale of a solid 6 to 7 on the Mohs Blue Tiger Eye is durable enough for kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, bar countertops, fireplace surrounds, etc. This particular part of Tiger eye gemstones originated from places like South Africa, Brazil, and India.
Yellow Blue Tiger Eye
yellow blue tiger eye slab countertop
Unlike Blue Tiger Eye, Yellow-Blue Tiger Eye is a standout gem that truly shines its way to your eyes. This gemstone has a unique crystalline pattern that adds an extra layer of visual interest.
Asides from how eye-catching it is, Yellow Blue Tiger Eye is also known for its durability and longevity, thanks to its silicon dioxide composition. For Tiger’s eye countertops, you might want to consider this type as it can withstand daily use, making it perfect for even home office desks. You can find the Yellow Blue Tiger Eye in several color variants like the Yellow Blue Tiger Eye HY002, Yellow Blue Tiger Eye HY004, Yellow Blue Tiger Eye HY005, and others.
Red Tiger Eye
red tiger eye slab
Red Tiger Eye is obviously a visually striking stone, due to its vibrant red color. The reason for this red hue is its iron oxide content, giving it a deep and warm hue that stands out. With a score of 7 on the Mohs scale, Red Tiger Eye is tough enough for everyday use, making it an eye-catching option for countertops in kitchens, bars, or outdoor spaces. This stone also symbolizes strength as its grounding properties are believed to be connected with the root chakra, offering stability and support.
Iron Tiger Eye
iron tiger eye slab
Are you perhaps looking to add a touch of unique flair to your space with Tiger’s Eye countertops? Then, consider Iron Tiger Eye. Due to its striking black and red stripes contrasted against golden-brown bands, it oozes off style and balance. This stone has a Mohs hardness grade of 5 to 7, meaning it’s durable for everything from sleek office desks to stylish café tables to countertops and even wall cladding.
Classic Golden Tiger Eye
tiger eye countertop
This particular variant is one of the most known Tiger’s Eye hues in the market. The Classic Golden Tiger Eye is widely known and appreciated for its rich, golden-brown hues and characteristic chatoyancy, which creates a shimmering, three-dimensional effect. Tiger’s Eye applications were once very popular in this variant. The warmth and elegance it brings complements both traditional and contemporary kitchen design.
Deep Amber Tiger Eye
With deeper, more intense amber tones, the Deep Amber Tiger Eye slab is the best choice if you want to give your space a luxurious and sophisticated touch feel. The darker colors of this Tiger’s Eye cut can create a striking contrast with lighter cabinets and fixtures. This is also one of the gemstones with a high tolerance to scratches and stains so you don’t have to worry about installing it in high-traffic areas.
Green Tiger Eye
Say you want to build a kitchen countertop that will blend with the greenery outside your kitchen window, then the Green Tiger Eye is a good choice for you. Characterized by its deep green tones, this slab introduces an unexpected and refreshing color into your design. Its rich, verdant hues are perfect for creating a tranquil and nature-inspired environment.
Multi-Tone Tiger Eye
The Multi-Tone Tiger’s Eye gemstone is one of the rarest out there. This particular variant has a rich feeling to it due to how dynamic the color pattern is. It combines various shades and patterns, offering a dynamic and versatile option. The blend of colors and patterns allows you to style it to match various styles and designs that suit your taste.
Pros and Cons of Tiger Eye Countertops
Pros
Given the rareness and uniqueness of Tiger’s Eye gemstones, using it as a countertop material already tells that you have something valuable and in high-demand in your home.
In addition to its rarity, Tiger Eye is incredibly strong and durable, with an average Mohs hardness rating of 5 to 7, making it resistant to several conditions that come with frequent use.
Another benefit of having Tiger Eye countertops is being able to boast of a striking and rich aesthetic in your home. The stone’s glossy surface and natural chatoyancy gives it this effect. This dynamic look can enhance the beauty of both traditional and modern high-end decor, adding an elegant and luxurious feel to any room.
Tiger’s Eye countertops require minimal maintenance to retain their beauty. Regular cleaning and occasional resealing are usually sufficient to keep them looking radiant and stunning.
Cons
Surely, Tiger Eye ranks among some of the most unique stone materials, but it does come with some considerations to keep in mind if you want to build with it.
Firstly, due to its rarity and the complex process of sourcing and processing, this gemstone can be quite expensive, typically ranging up to $150 per square meter. However, you can get it at a more affordable price ranging from $30 and $100 from George Stones. Interestingly, the reason for the varying prices isn’t far-fetched, considering that they take away the hard part by managing the entire process from sourcing to delivery. The elimination of intermediary services ensures that they offer quality products at a much more affordable price.
Furthermore, Tiger’s Eye gemstones are not as readily available as other materials. This means finding larger quantities or specific sizes, especially for larger projects, might prove difficult.
While generally low-maintenance, Tiger’s Eye countertops are still not totally resistant to scratch and chips like engineered quartz stones or porcelain. So, prompt maintenance can’t be out of the picture.
How to Care for Tiger Eye Countertops Like Most Gemstones
Yes, gemstones are mostly strong and very durable. But they still need intentional care if you want to enjoy their absolute worth. You don’t want your gemstone installation looking worn out or losing vigor. They are classy stones, so you need to treat them as one, Tiger’s Eye included. To keep Tiger’s Eye countertops in top condition;
- Clean them regularlywith soft cloth or sponge, mild soap and water.
- Steer clear of acidic or alkaline cleaneras they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the stone’s finish.
- If you want to preserve its shine, use trivets or heat pads to prevent it from heat damage.
- To protect from moisture and stain, you may need to apply a sealer periodically.
- Clean up spills immediately to avoid staining, especially from oils and acidic substances.
How to Tell the Difference Between Real and Fabricated Tiger Eye Stones
Criteria | Real Tiger’s Eye Stone | Fake Tiger’s Eye Stone |
Hardness | Real Tiger’s Eye hardness rating is around 7 on Mohs scale, allowing them to scratch glass | Fakes have lower hardness and may not scratch glass at all |
Color Pattern | You’ll notice a natural golden-brown to amber with unique shimmering effect | The color patterns should be unnatural or too consistent |
Surface Finish | They have a smooth and even finish , no visible seams or artificial flaws | They may have visible seams, uneven finish, or artificial flaws |
Chatoyancy | Real Tiger’s Eye always show natural chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect) with varying light reflection | The fakes may lack natural chatoyancy or have an artificial shimmer |
Weight | Generally heavier due to its natural mineral density | Lighter if made from synthetic materials or composites |
Final Words
There is no better way to achieve a perfect gemstone construction without precise attention to details. Are you ready to install Tiger Eye countertops in your home ? Do you know exactly what you want to do and how you want it done? If your answer is yes, it’s best to consult a reliable stone supplier and allow them to take the lead. However, if you’re still confused about the type of Tiger Eye’s gemstone you want, feel free to take your time with the process. With the help of this guide, we trust you to arrive at a suitable choice for your taste.
FAQ About Using Tiger Eye Countertop
How does the cost of Tiger’s Eye countertops compare to other materials?
The prices of Tiger’s Eye countertops are typically on the higher side compared to common materials like granite or quartz due to their rarity and high-cost processing.
Can Tiger’s Eye countertops be used outdoors?
While Tiger’s Eye is durable, you should only use the indoors as outdoor conditions can lead to weathering and discoloration over time.
What are the environmental considerations when using Tiger’s Eye for countertops?
One important thing you can consider is choosing suppliers with sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental impact.
