What is Tiger Eye?

Let’s answer the question, “What is Tiger Eye?” The gemstone known as tiger eye is a form of chalcedony quartz. But it didn’t start out as quartz. It began as the fibrous blue mineral called crocidolite, which is made up of iron and sodium. Crociodolite is also known as asbestos. The crocidolite was gradually transformed into quartz while maintaining its fibrous formations. Tiger’s eye is what is a known in mineralogy as a pseudomorph. The term comes from the Greek for “false form.” Pseudomorphs form when one mineral replaces another. The transformation begins when quartz becomes embedded between the fibers of crocidolite. This process can result in two different gemstones: a blue stone called hawk’s eye or the golden brown stone called tiger’s eye. In the course of the process, the crocidolite is completely dissolved. But the quartz takes on the fibrous formations and this creates the parallel lines within the gem which gives it that shifting play of light. Though the iron and sodium of the crocidolite dissolve, traces of the iron oxide remain and this creates the golden color typical of tiger’s eye. If less iron is present the quartz will tend towards the blue color of the original crocidolite.

The Metaphysical Powers of Tiger Eye:

With its vibrant golden color, tiger-eye is used to increase wealth and vitality. It enhances courage, brings passion and physical strength, and allows these attributes to be tempered with mental clarity and a joyful outlook.

As a power stone Tiger Eye has a wonderful reputation for attracting wealth, money and luck. However it has some powerful spiritual uses as well. The liquid movement of light across the stone makes it an excellent tool for vision or divination work.

Healing eye disorders is one of the most common medicinal uses associated with Tiger eye. It can help slow the flow of energy through the body which makes the gem very helpful in stress related illnesses, but also may create an issue if you do not want to stem your energy…do not wear jewelry containing tiger eye for too many consecutive days.

General Information About Tiger Eye:

• Color: Brown, gold
• Hardness: 6.5 – 7
• Optical Properties: Translucent to opaque.
• Luster: Vitreous – silky – chatoyant.
• Cleavage: None. Conchoidal fracture.
• Crystal Properties: Hexagonal.
• Specific Gravity: 2.5 – 2.7
• Mineral / Rock Type: Crocidolite replaced by quartz.
• Healing Properties: None scientifically proven.
• Other Properties: Pseudomorph