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What Is a Tiger Eye?

Jillian O Keeffe
Jillian O Keeffe

A tiger eye, or "tiger's eye," is a form of semi-precious quartz stone. It is often used in jewelry and other decorative objects, as it reflects light in an attractive manner. The coloration of the stone resembles that of a tiger's eye, hence the name. Quartz, crocidolite and iron oxide are integral minerals in a tiger eye gemstone.

Geologists think that a rock called hawk's eye, which is made up of a mineral called crocidolite with quartz running through it, can change over thousands of years into tiger eye. Hawk's eye is typically blue or gray with stripes. In place of some of the crocidolite, tiger eye contains iron oxide, which turns the color of the rock brown or golden. The different components of both are obvious as tiny fibers running in one direction through the stone.

A tiger eye is a suitable stone to give as a present for a ninth wedding anniversary.
A tiger eye is a suitable stone to give as a present for a ninth wedding anniversary.

Stripes, which reflect the different elements present in the rock, are a feature of both hawk's eye and tiger eye. One of the characteristics of the rock that make it appealing as a decorative object is chatoyancy. This refers to the characteristic appearance of the rock when it is held under a light source. The stripes of different colors give the rock a high sheen and a luster that is not present in most other rocks.

Jewelers and people who work with semi-precious gemstones can polish chunks of tiger eye into different shapes. These include spherical forms, smoothly polished shapes and shapes with sharper angles. An artist can also carve the substance into sculptures or representations of objects. Large lumps of tiger eye may form the material for little decorative objects like boxes. Due to the chatoyancy of the stone, ancient carvers sometimes used the stone to represent the eyes of statues.

South Africa is an important source of the stone, but deposits can be found in many places around the world. These include India, California and Australia. The specific appearance of the stone can vary according to where it was mined and therefore it can have a special name applied to it. Example names for local forms of the rock include Tiger iron, zebra tiger's eye and marra mamba.

Cultural aspects to tiger eye include a tradition that it is a suitable stone to give as a present for a ninth wedding anniversary. Alternative health proponents ascribe certain qualities to it, such as healing energy for the blood. Those who believe that crystals give off energy may regard it as a tool to become balanced and wealthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a tiger eye?

A tiger eye is a chatoyant gemstone that exhibits a remarkable silky luster similar to the eye of a tiger. This optical phenomenon is due to the stone's fibrous structure and is typically a metamorphic rock composed of silicon dioxide. It often showcases golden to red-brown colors with iron stripes, giving it a unique and striking appearance.

Where can tiger eye gemstones be found?

Tiger eye gemstones are primarily mined in South Africa, but they can also be found in Australia, Myanmar, India, Namibia, and the United States. The largest deposits are in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, where the gemstone has been extracted for decades.

What are the believed metaphysical properties of a tiger eye?

Throughout history, the tiger eye gemstone has been attributed with protective qualities and the power to bring insight and improve focus. Many believe it can also foster courage, energize the body, and promote a positive attitude. These metaphysical properties make it a popular choice for those interested in crystal healing.

How is tiger eye used in jewelry?

Tiger eye is a versatile gemstone commonly used in various types of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Its durability, along with its captivating appearance, makes it a favored choice for both men's and women's accessories. Jewelers often cut it as cabochons to best display its chatoyancy.

How do you care for tiger eye gemstones?

To maintain the beauty of tiger eye gemstones, clean them with mild soap and water, using a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and high temperatures, as these can damage the stone. It's also wise to store tiger eye jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.

Can tiger eye be synthetically produced?

While natural tiger eye is most valued, synthetic versions can be created to mimic its appearance. However, these man-made stones typically lack the fine nuances and rich depth of color found in genuine tiger eye. Experts can distinguish between natural and synthetic stones by examining their structure and chatoyancy under magnification.

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    • A tiger eye is a suitable stone to give as a present for a ninth wedding anniversary.
      By: Monkey Business
      A tiger eye is a suitable stone to give as a present for a ninth wedding anniversary.