About
Tiger's eye is a variety of quartz known for its chatoyancy (cat's eye effect), created by fibrous inclusions of crocidolite that have been replaced by silica. Its bands of golden yellow, brown, and blue give it a unique appearance. Found primarily in South Africa and Australia, tiger's eye has been used throughout history as a protective stone.
Crystal Healing Energy
The overarching theme of tiger's eye is balance and courage. It carries a protective, stabilising energy that helps you feel secure and confident as you move forward. This crystal is often seen as a powerful ally for those looking to take decisive action with both courage and calm.
Chatoyancy
Tiger's eye displays a unique reflective quality known as chatoyancy, giving it a silky appearance.
Crocidolite replacement
The fibrous structure of crocidolite (a blue asbestos mineral) is replaced by quartz, which retains the fibres, resulting in the characteristic chatoyant effect.
Science
- Mineral: Quartz
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Chemistry: SiO2
- Colour: Typically golden-yellow to brown with chatoyancy but can be blue.
- Refractive Index: 1.544 to 1.553
- Birefringence: 0.009
- Specific Gravity: 2.64 to 2.71
- Mohs Hardness: 7
TREATMENTS
Golden yellow and blue tiger's eye is mostly untreated, although heat treatment may sometimes be used to create red tiger's eye. Honey coloured tiger's eye is typically bleached. Galaxy tiger's eye and any other tiger's eye colours other than blue and golden-yellow have been dyed.
