Tiger's Eye

What is Tiger's Eye?

Tiger's Eye is a banded variety of Quartz, made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2). The characteristic silky sheen, also called chatoyancy, arises because fine, parallel fibers reflect the light in a narrow band. Those fibers are the remains of the blue mineral crocidolite, which was gradually replaced by Quartz while the fibrous structure was preserved. Iron oxides color the stone golden-brown to honey-yellow. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Tiger's Eye is a sturdy, durable stone that is excellently suited to jewelry and daily use.

Meaning and History of Tiger's Eye

The name Tiger's Eye refers to its resemblance to the eye of a tiger: the band of light glides across the stone the way a pupil lights up in the dark. Even in antiquity, people attributed a watchful, protective power to the stone. Roman soldiers are said to have worn Tiger's Eye as an amulet to come through battle brave and unharmed. In ancient Egypt too, the stone was linked to the all-seeing eye of the gods and to divine insight. Because of that age-old reputation, Tiger's Eye is today regarded as a symbol of courage, protection and clear perspective, a stone that helps you step out into the world with confidence.

Physical Properties Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye is often chosen by people who seek more steadiness in their body. On an energetic level, the stone is associated with drive and vitality: it can help to gather your energy at moments when you feel listless or scattered. Many people experience Tiger's Eye as a stone that literally makes you stand taller, as if some backbone returns to your posture. Her warm, grounding energy is linked to a feeling of inner firmness, which makes it easier to get moving. If you hold the stone in your hand or wear her close to the body, many people notice that they feel more alert and more rooted. In this way Tiger's Eye can offer support in recovering your natural resilience and rhythm.

Please note: gemstones can offer support on an emotional and energetic level, but are never a substitute for medical or professional care. If you have any complaints or concerns, always consult your physician.

Tiger's Eye and Self-Confidence

Tiger's Eye is the stone par excellence for anyone who wants to strengthen their self-confidence. Her strength lies in a warm, activating energy that encourages you to make your own choices and stand up for yourself. If you quickly feel insecure in company or before an important moment, wear a Tiger's Eye bracelet or pendant, so that supportive energy travels with you all day. Put a tumbled stone in your pocket before a nerve-racking conversation or a presentation, and take hold of it whenever you notice yourself doubting. Place a larger stone or cluster on your desk, where it reminds you that you have more in you than you think. Turn it into a small ritual: hold the stone, breathe calmly, and say in your mind what you dare to do today. In this way you build a firmer sense of self-worth step by step.

Spiritual Properties

Spiritually, Tiger's Eye is known as a stone of protection and inner perspective. She is seen as a shield that screens off your own energy, so that you are less easily swept along by the moods and expectations of others. Anyone who is sensitive to the busyness around them can find a stabilizing ally in Tiger's Eye. The stone is also associated with clarity of mind: it is said to help you view a situation from a distance and see the core of a problem, instead of staying stuck in doubt and worry. This is why Tiger's Eye is beloved among people who face a choice or have lost their direction. Where many soft stones mainly comfort, Tiger's Eye urges you on: she brings a healthy dose of willpower and courage, and invites you to take responsibility for your own life. At the same time she works in a grounding way, so that this drive does not turn into restlessness but is carried by a firm foundation. In this way Tiger's Eye brings balance between action and reflection, between stepping outward and staying with yourself.

How to Use Tiger's Eye?

• Wear Tiger's Eye as jewelry, for example one of our Tiger's Eye bracelets or Tiger's Eye pendants, so her protective energy travels with you all day.
• Place a larger stone or cluster in the living room or on your workspace for a stable, focused atmosphere at home.
• Hold a tumbled stone in your hand during meditation and direct your attention to your lower belly, where your willpower resides.
• Put a small Tiger's Eye in your pocket or bag as quiet support during tense moments, such as a job interview or an exam.

Types and Varieties of Tiger's Eye

• Red Tiger's Eye: a warm, reddish-brown variety that kindles extra drive and zest for life. The red color comes from iron oxide and makes this stone more fiery than the classic golden Tiger's Eye.
• Hawk's Eye: the blue-gray variety, in which the crocidolite fibers have not yet fully transformed. This stone is linked to calm, perspective and clear observation.
• Pietersite: a swirling blend of Tiger's Eye and Hawk's Eye with a dramatic sheen, loved for its dynamic, liberating energy.
• Tiger Iron: a layered combination of Tiger's Eye, Hematite and Jasper, which brings together grounding, strength and vitality.

Beautiful Gemstone Combinations

Citrine

Citrine strengthens the sunny, self-assured side of Tiger's Eye. Where Tiger's Eye kindles your willpower and courage, Citrine adds a feeling of optimism and abundance. Together they form a powerful duo for the Solar Plexus Chakra, helping you to take action in a focused and confident way.

Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline connects beautifully to the protective and grounding side of Tiger's Eye. While Tiger's Eye feeds your self-confidence, Black Tourmaline screens off negative influences and keeps you firmly rooted. This combination is lovely for anyone who quickly feels overstimulated and needs a safe, protected feeling.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz brings softness into the fiery energy of Tiger's Eye. Where Tiger's Eye urges you toward action, Rose Quartz opens the heart and invites gentleness toward yourself. Together they create a beautiful balance between strength and softness, between doing and feeling.

Recognizing Genuine Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye is regularly imitated, usually with glass fiber, also known as cat's eye glass. With a few simple checks you can tell the difference. First look at the band of light: in genuine Tiger's Eye the silky sheen moves along with the light in a lively, slightly wavy band, while imitation glass often shows one overly sharp, ruler-straight line. Then pay attention to the color: natural Tiger's Eye has warm, golden-brown to reddish-brown tones with subtle transitions, while bright green, bright blue or vivid pink pieces are usually dyed or made of glass. Temperature helps too: real crystal feels cool and warms up slowly in your hand, while glass feels lukewarm more quickly. Finally, weigh the stone in your hand, because glass is often lighter than natural stone. At Kristalmeester we only sell natural Tiger's Eye. 

Properties

• Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
• Density: 2.64 to 2.71 g/cm³
• Composition: SiO2
• Crystal structure: trigonal
• Color: golden-brown to honey-yellow with a silky sheen, as well as reddish-brown and blue-gray

Locations

• South Africa
• Australia
• Namibia
• China
• India
• Brazil
• United States

Zodiac Signs

Leo

Leo resonates strongly with the sunny, self-assured energy of Tiger's Eye. The stone strengthens this sign's natural radiance and helps Leo to lead from sincere strength. At the same time, Tiger's Eye can temper vanity and keep Leo closer to their own core.

Capricorn

Capricorn finds in Tiger's Eye an ally for willpower and discipline. The stone supports this sign's goal-oriented nature and helps to keep following long-term plans with confidence. In this way Capricorn can persevere without pushing themselves too far.

Aries

Aries recognizes itself in the brave, decisive side of Tiger's Eye. The stone feeds the natural drive of this fiery sign and helps to turn impulses into focused action. Tiger's Eye can also ground Aries, so that the enthusiasm does not fade too quickly.

Chakras

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the energy center that Tiger's Eye resonates with most strongly. This Chakra stands for self-worth, willpower and personal strength. Tiger's Eye can help to bring this center into balance, so that you dare to follow your own course with confidence.

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is connected to creativity, passion and zest for life. The warm energy of Tiger's Eye can kindle this Chakra and bring you back into contact with your drive and joy. As a result, your natural drive gets going more easily.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra revolves around grounding, safety and standing firm. Tiger's Eye can support this Chakra by giving you a feeling of protection and something to hold on to. In this way you stay with both feet on the ground, even when things get tense.

Care

Tiger's Eye is a sturdy, durable stone with a hardness of 7, which makes her easy to live with day to day. You can cleanse her by briefly holding her under lukewarm running water; thanks to her dense structure she handles this well. Afterward, pat her dry with a soft cloth and do not let her soak for hours. If you want to cleanse her energetically, you can pass Tiger's Eye through the smoke of Sage or Palo Santo, or place her on Hematite Chips overnight to discharge. To charge her, place Tiger's Eye on a dish of Rock Crystal Chips, or let her rest overnight in the soft moonlight. Be careful with prolonged, bright sunlight: the warm color of Tiger's Eye can fade over time as a result. For this reason, it is best to store the stone in a cool, shaded place.

More information about the cleansing and charging of gemstones can be found in our blog "The cleansing and charging of gemstones".

Frequently Asked Questions about Tiger's Eye

What does Tiger's Eye mean?

The name Tiger's Eye refers to its resemblance to the eye of a tiger, through the band of light that glides across the stone. Today Tiger's Eye mainly symbolizes courage, protection and self-confidence.

Can Tiger's Eye get wet?

Yes, Tiger's Eye can be cleaned briefly under lukewarm running water; with her hardness of 7 she handles this well. Pat the stone dry afterward and do not let her soak for hours.

Can Tiger's Eye be placed in sunlight?

Brief sunlight is fine, but avoid prolonged, bright sunlight, because the warm color of Tiger's Eye can fade over time. Charge the stone in moonlight or on Rock Crystal Chips instead.

Which Chakra is associated with Tiger's Eye?

Tiger's Eye resonates most strongly with the Solar Plexus Chakra, the center of willpower and self-worth. It is also linked to the Sacral Chakra and the Root Chakra.

Where is the best place to put Tiger's Eye?

Wear Tiger's Eye close to the body or keep her at hand at moments when you seek courage and focus. Her protective, activating energy also comes into its own on your desk or workspace.

Summary

Tiger's Eye is a warm, golden-brown variety of Quartz that helps you strengthen your courage, focus and self-confidence. Since antiquity she has been regarded as a protective stone and was worn as an amulet against danger and doubt. Her activating, grounding effect makes her especially suited to anyone who wants to stand stronger in life and make choices with confidence. Spiritually she offers protection and clear perspective, while physically she is associated with drive and resilience. She resonates with the Solar Plexus Chakra, the Sacral Chakra and the Root Chakra, and suits Leo, Capricorn and Aries beautifully. Clean her briefly under lukewarm water, charge her in moonlight and keep her out of bright sunlight.

If you have any questions about Tiger's Eye, please do not hesitate to contact Kristalmeester. We are happy to help.