Tiger's Eye, Tigers Eye or Tiger Eye? Which one is it? The answer is Yes. HAHA. All joking aside, it honestly just depends on who you are talking to, but any will do.  Everyone and their mother will know which stone you are talking about.

Tiger Eye is one of those stones that most of us recognize from our childhood due to it's 'cat eye' appearance.  Tiger Eye or Tigers Eye is also a stone that people mimic with man made materials, so watch out for stones called 'cat eye'. They do look very different though.  

Tiger Eye is a member of the Chalcedony mineral family. It is a quartz aggregate which forms when quartz has crocidolite breaks and water enters, leading it to grow into the rock. The process is followed by the quartz continuing to crack and grow again. This results in visible bands with diagonal crocidolite fibers. The golden-brown shade of the crystal is caused by the iron which oxidizes. There are other shades such as red, blue and green caused by different growth environments and trace components.

Blue Tiger's Eye, also known as Hawk's Eye, contains traces of iron and silica, which give rise to its blue coloration. The blue shades range from deep indigo to lighter shades of blue-gray. Red Tiger's Eye, also called Ox Eye or Falcon's Eye, is formed when additional hematite infiltrates the stone. The red tones range from deep burgundy to vibrant shades of red and rust.

Tiger Eye is named after the cat’s eye effect it has when viewed under direct sunlight. It’s a bright band of light which moves as the stone is turned in different angles.

Tiger Eye is a silicon dioxide mineral. It’s a solid crystal with a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. It has a microfibrous structure which is visible as line patterns within the stone.  They are always learning more about stones, for example, this article from Penn State from 2003 where they reevaluated tiger eye after 125 years!

 

What does tiger eye look like?

Tiger Eye is an opaque golden-brown quartz stone that is known for its optical effects under the light. You can identify these stones by their bands of gold, yellow, brown, and black. Before polished and tumbled, tigers eye is rigid and glasslike. You will also be able to feel its many layers.  After the stone has been tumbled and polished, tiger eye layers are more prominent and satin-like, but the rigid layers can no longer be felt.

Although the golden tiger eye is the most well-known, there are different variations of blue and red. The blue variation is referred to as Hawk’s Eye and the Red variation is referred to as Dragon’s Eye. The red and blue colors form from different minerals and levels of oxidation. They all have the same awesome lining as the original, and can mix colors too.

Where does tiger eye found?

Tiger Eye is for the most part produced in the Transvaal province in Africa and is officially the national gemstone of South Africa. These crystals have a long history on that land especially in Egyptian culture. They were used to represent the eyes of their gods because Egyptians believed that it symbolized divine vision.

Tigers Eye, with its captivating chatoyant luster, forms deep within the Earth through a process of metamorphism and alteration. It begins as fibrous Crocidolite, a type of asbestos mineral. Over millions of years, as the Crocidolite naturally decomposes, it undergoes a transformation driven by iron and quartz replacement. During this process, the asbestos fibers are replaced by layers of golden-brown to reddish-brown iron minerals, primarily Goethite and Hematite, which create the distinct chatoyancy or "cat's eye" effect. This metamorphic journey results in the exquisite Tiger's Eye gemstone, renowned for its unique appearance and powerful metaphysical properties. 

 

Tigers Eye Meaning

Tigers Eye, the unassuming yet potent crystal, possesses a myriad of meanings and healing properties that make it a cherished gemstone in the world of metaphysics. One of its prominent virtues lies in bolstering self-confidence and courage. By aligning with the lower chakras, such as the sacral, solar plexus, and root chakras, Tiger Eye instills a sense of grounded empowerment. It serves as a catalyst for stepping beyond one's comfort zone, embarking on new adventures, and conquering challenges with unwavering self-belief. Moreover, this gemstone's energy offers equilibrium and serenity, acting as a shield against anxious thoughts and promoting inner peace.

Tiger Eye's protective aura acts as a barrier against negativity, allowing individuals to navigate life's twists and turns with resilience and determination. As a spiritual conduit, Tiger Eye stone is often associated with the sun's radiant energy, symbolizing warmth, vitality, and spiritual enlightenment. Many choose to adorn themselves with Tiger Eye jewelry or keep a tumbled stone in their pocket to enhance mental clarity and sharpen their focus. This stone's versatile attributes make it an invaluable companion for personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual exploration, guiding seekers toward a brighter, more confident future.

However, it also makes a gorgeous addition to any altar or magical workspace! When the sun catches Tigers Eye it can look insanely beautiful!

Tiger Eye Colors

Tiger Eye gemstones come in various colors, each with its own unique meanings:

Yellow Tiger Eye: Yellow Tiger Eye is known for enhancing self-confidence, courage, and personal power. It helps individuals overcome self-doubt and fear, promoting a strong sense of self-worth.

Blue Tiger Eye: Blue Tiger Eye, also called Hawk's Eye, encourages clear communication and insight. It aligns with the throat and third eye chakras, aiding in honest self-expression and intuitive perception.

Red Tiger Eye: Red Tiger Eye is a stone of passion and motivation. It energizes the root chakra, boosting vitality, and determination. It's ideal for those seeking increased motivation and a zest for life.

Green Tiger Eye: Green Tiger Eye combines the grounding qualities of Tiger Eye with the healing energies of green. It is often used for emotional balance, promoting harmony and fostering a sense of well-being.

Each variation of Tiger Eye offers its distinct attributes, allowing individuals to choose the one that resonates most with their intentions and needs.

 

Crystals That Work Well With Tiger Eye

Crystals that work well with Tiger Eye complement its energy and enhance its qualities. Some notable crystals that synergize with Tiger Eye include Hematite, which provides grounding and stability, amplifying Tiger Eye's protective properties. Red Jasper is another great companion as it adds an element of vitality and strength to the mix.

Citrine, with its bright and uplifting energy, aligns harmoniously with Tiger Eye, amplifying abundance and manifestation. For those seeking to deepen their intuition, Amethyst can complement Tiger Eye's clarity and insight. Rose Quartz, known for its gentle and loving energy, can soften the intensity of Tiger Eye and bring balance to emotional aspects.

 

What does tiger eye do?

Tiger's Eye, a captivating and versatile gemstone, has a multitude of uses beyond its metaphysical properties. Due to its unique appearance and durability, Tiger Eye is highly sought after for jewelry making, including rings, pendants, bracelets, and crystal earrings. Its distinct chatoyant effect adds depth and visual interest to any piece, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal accessories. Beyond jewelry, Tiger Eye is also used in decorative items such as sculptures, carvings, and figurines, adding an elegant touch to interior spaces. The rich and warm hues of Tigers Eye lend themselves well to fashion accessories and embellishments, including beads, buttons, and belt buckles. Additionally, Tiger Eye is appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and is often displayed as a natural specimen in collections and exhibits. Its unique patterns and colors make it a standout addition to any gemstone or mineral collection.

Tiger Eye can bring peace in your home or office by placing it according to the Feng Shui map. In general, one of the best spots is close to the front door. For those who need to raise their self- assurance, keep the crystal close to the skin with gemstone jewelry. The Tiger Eye is also a perfect match for Capricorns and Leos as it is one of their birthstones. No matter how you choose to use this crystal, you will undoubtedly receive positive effects.

Is Tiger Eye Toxic?

Tiger Eye is known to have Asbestos deep within its structure, so if you are worried about it, please be sure to wash your hands after handling raw Tiger Eye stone.  Polished tigers eye is the best way to avoid this, and do not soak the stone in water.  Most people however say that because the Asbestos is so encapsulated in the growth process that it cannot actually harm you unless you are constantly carving on it - aka you are frequently around floating dust particles.  But always use caution with raw Tiger Eye. Reminder that most crystals are toxic to lick, so just never do that haha.

More On Tiger Eye Crystal 

This stone is high on the Mohs hardness scale and rates a 6.5-7, meaning that it can scratch glass. When broken, Tigers Eye will leave behind uneven and granular sides that some say remind them of a slab of steak.

Chakra: Solar plexus, Root and Sacral

Tiger Eye Localities: India, Brazil, Canada, Spain, China, Korea, Myanmar, Australia,  Namibia, and the USA.