Bands of golden yellow with reddish-brown hues: these are the unique colors that distinguish Tiger’s Eye. With a silky luster and dramatic display of colors, there aren’t many stones like it. Yet the most meaningful properties of Tiger’s Eye tie into its healing properties and spiritual symbolism.
From the Ancient Egyptians to Ancient Romans and consumers today, Tiger’s Eye has been a source of strength. Empowering us to seek courage, and strength and connect to a higher purpose, Tiger’s Eye is anything but pedestrian. Read on to learn about why this affordable stone is still powerful across cultures today.
| Color | Golden, Yellow, Reddish-Brown (Striped) |
| Birthstone Month | June |
| Hardness Scale | 7 on Mohs Scale |
| Mineral Class | Quartz |
| Symbolism | Courage, Perseverance, Strength |
What is Tiger’s Eye?
Tiger’s Eye is a form of quartz, and thus related to other semi-precious stones, such as amethyst, citrine, and aventurine. Tiger’s Eye is usually found within metamorphic rocks in colorful bands. It’s then cut into crystals or polished into stones for gemstone jewelry.
The value of Tiger’s Eye has more to do with its unique meaning and properties and less to do with price. Tiger’s Eye is incredibly affordable, with a price per carat of just $0.10 to $3. It’s also widely available, especially in its most common forms.
Today, Tiger’s Eye is used in many ways. Tiger’s Eye crystals are used for meditation and establishing balance in one’s life. Tiger’s Eye polished stones are featured as pendants, bracelets, beaded necklaces, accents for watches, and even cocktail rings. With a Mohs hardness rating of 7, Tiger’s Eye can be scratched but is still acceptable for everyday use.
What does Tiger’s Eye look like?
Tiger’s eye is eye-catching and unlike any other stone. Its banded array of colors is exemplified by a silk-like luster. Colors range from golden yellow to straw yellow and deep brown to reddish-brown. The more saturated the colors, the more valuable and desirable it’s considered.
Different jewelers have slightly different grading methods for Tiger’s eye, but quality depends very much on color. AAA grade Tiger’s Eye is usually golden yellow. Poor quality, or B grade Tiger’s eye will be less fine, more fibrous, and may have flecks of gray.
History of Tiger’s Eye
Though Tiger’s Eye was used as far back as the ancient civilizations of Rome and Egypt, it was officially identified in 1784 by Francois Levaillant, a French ornithologist. A larger collection of Tiger’s Eye was showcased in 1803.
Tiger’s Eye is a stone with a history of lore and mythology. In the most famous myth, Tiger’s Eye represents a tiger’s prey and their fleeting moments of life. This ties into the Ancient Egyptians’ use of the Tiger’s Eye. Within Ancient Egypt, Tiger’s Eye was associated with the sun god and closely aligned with the goddess of war.
Romans used Tiger’s Eye as an amulet, and there are myths about warriors using it for healing. Nordic and Asian civilizations saw Tiger’s Eye as a symbol of higher powers and a connection to both spirituality and the heavens.
Over time, Tiger’s Eye has become popular in the United States and elsewhere for its healing properties and unique pattern.
Meaning of Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s eye is said to be connected to the heavens and higher powers. It’s meaningful across cultures both as a grounding stone and one that is said to have healing properties. Its alignment with the Zodiac calendar is prized amongst Asian cultures.
As a sacral chakra stone, Tiger’s Eye is connected to self-improvement, empowerment, and creative expression. It is most well known for symbolizing courage, strength, and perseverance.
What is Tiger’s Eye good for?
Tiger’s Eye isn’t just used for unique birthstone jewelry. Revered for its healing properties, Tiger’s Eye is used to invite balance and courage. It does so by blocking negative energy and channeling both courage and strength.
Tiger’s Eye, above all, is a grounding stone. It is said to mitigate anxiety, fear, and negative thoughts. By doing so, Tiger’s Eye focuses the mind and provides clarity. This mental clarity opens the user to unlocking courage they might have not known they have. It’s also aligned with the Manipura chakra, which plays a role in both self-confidence and empowerment.
Tiger’s Eye is also used to promote forward-thinking. By opening the mind to new ideas and experiences, Tiger’s Eye provides the courage and confidence to change. For many, Tiger’s Eye is most helpful for pushing boundaries and challenging someone to try new things.
Where does Tiger’s Eye come from?
Tiger’s Eye has a unique formation that develops its colorful and physical properties. Blue asbestos fibers transform with iron oxides. Silica is combined with this formation to produce Tiger’s Eye. It’s this unique combination that forms the characteristic golden hues that the Tiger’s Eye stone is known for.
Tiger’s Eye is found in large deposits in a handful of locations, including Australia, Burma, India, Namibia, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, China, Spain, the United States, and parts of Korea. The most abundant source of Tiger’s Eye today is the Northern Cape Province in South Africa.
Tigers Eye and zodiac sign
Tiger’s Eye is aligned with the Gemini zodiac sign—though it has many benefits and healing properties for other zodiac signs as well.
In many ways, Tiger’s Eye is ideal as a crystal for Geminis. Geminis, at their best, are wise, flexible, and outgoing. They seek a full, unbridled life. At the same time, a Gemini is prone to being both indecisive and impulsive—especially when they face fears and negative emotions.
Tiger’s Eye, by protecting against negative influences and balancing one’s life, allows a Gemini to discover their inner strength, courage, and wisdom. Aries, Cancers, and Saggitarius will also benefit from wearing or using Tiger’s Eye.
Which family is Tiger’s Eye from
Tiger’s Eye belongs to the quartz family. Of course, Tiger’s Eye crystals are just one type of quartz. Other types of quartz include amethyst, citrine, and aventurine, amongst others. Abundant as quartz is, many types are used for semi-precious birthstone jewelry.
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Frequently asked questions about Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s Eye is used to increase strength and courage. As a foundational Chakra stone, it’s also prized for its grounding properties. Those who wear or meditate with Tiger’s Eye can cast off negativity and bring balance to their lives.
Tiger’s eye symbolizes strength and courage, but it also has spiritual connections. For Ancient societies and many today, Tiger’s Eye depicts a connection to the Heavens. Both the Ancient Egyptians and Romans saw Tiger’s Eye as a way to engage with spirituality.
Tiger’s Eye is believed to protect you from evil forces and negative energy. More precisely, Tiger’s Eye clears away blockages that cause fear. By protecting you against these forces, Tiger’s Eye allows the wearer to live up to their full potential and find the courage they need for anything that comes their way.
Tiger’s Eye is the stone for June. Anyone born in June will benefit from wearing Tiger’s Eye. It’s also associated with the Gemini zodiac sign. But Tiger’s Eye can be worn by many for health and spiritual benefits. For Aries, Tiger’s Eye blocks negativity. For Cancer, it promotes healing. And for Sagittarius, Tiger’s Eye is instrumental in promoting improved concentration.
