TIGER EYE
Tiger's Eye is a popular gemstone known for its distinctive chatoyancy — a silky, undulating, cat's-eye-like luster that moves across the stone as light changes. It is a pseudomorph of quartz after crocidolite (a type of asbestos), meaning quartz has replaced the original fibrous crocidolite while preserving its fibrous structure. This gives tiger's eye its characteristic golden-brown bands and shimmering effect.
Key Features:
Color: Golden-brown to reddish-brown, sometimes blue (see "Hawk's Eye") or red (heat-treated). The classic tiger's eye features alternating golden and brown bands.
Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale (durable, suitable for daily wear).
Luster: Silky to vitreous (glassy).
Transparency: Opaque.
Special Property: Chatoyancy — a reflective optical effect caused by light bouncing off parallel fibrous structures within the stone.
Where It's Found:
Major sources include South Africa (the largest producer), Australia, India, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States.
Uses:
Jewelry: Widely used for cabochons, beads, pendants, rings, bracelets, and men's accessories (cufflinks, worry stones).
Ornamental: Carved into spheres, pyramids, small statues, and decorative objects.
Metaphysical / Crystal Healing:
Known as the "Stone of Courage" or "Stone of Protection".
Believed to ground energy, boost confidence, and help manifest goals.
Traditionally carried for good luck, protection from negative energies, and balancing emotions.
Associated with the solar plexus chakra (personal power) and sacral chakra (creativity).