Comparison · Quartz Family
Fire Agate vs Tiger's Eye
Fire Agate and Tiger's Eye are easy to confuse because both are quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Fire Agate and Tiger's Eye
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Fire Agate is translucent, Tiger's Eye is opaque.
- They overlap in brown, red, and yellow, but Fire Agate also comes in orange and multicolored.
Fire Agate vs Tiger's Eye properties
| Property | Fire Agate | Tiger's Eye |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | waxy | silky |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Brown, Orange, Red, Gold, Iridescent | Golden Brown, Yellow, Red |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$1000+ | $5–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Fire Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $20 for Tiger's Eye, and premium Fire Agate can reach $1000 or more.
About Fire Agate
Fire Agate is an agate variety with iridescent internal color flashes, usually in warm brown, orange, red, and gold tones.
About Tiger's Eye
Tiger's eye is a chatoyant gemstone displaying a silky luster and banded appearance. The optical effect resembles a cat's eye or tiger's eye.
Fire Agate vs Tiger's Eye FAQ
Is Fire Agate the same as Tiger's Eye?
No. Both are quartz family, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Fire Agate from Tiger's Eye?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Fire Agate is translucent, Tiger's Eye is opaque. They overlap in brown, red, and yellow, but Fire Agate also comes in orange and multicolored.
Which is harder, Fire Agate or Tiger's Eye?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Fire Agate or Tiger's Eye?
Fire Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $20 for Tiger's Eye, and premium Fire Agate can reach $1000 or more.
