Stone Mania

Tigers eye is the original chatoyant gemstone. This means it has a changeable shimmering silky lustre which is caused as light is reflected from the inside of the stone. This word comes from the French meaning 'cat's eye'.

Tigers eye was named because its traditional brown, orange and black colouring closely resembled that of a tiger's eye. Few people have ever seen the other varieties of tigers eye which include red, black and blue. Blue tigers eye is more correctly known as hawk's eye.

There is some concern about tigers eye containing asbestos fibres which is true, but these are well embedded in the gemstone and pose absolutely no threat to the wearer at all. Tigers eye begins as the fibrous blue mineral called crocidolite (better known as asbestos) which is comprised of iron and sodium.  Over time, as quartz becomes embedded between the fibers of the crocidolite, a transformation takes place which results in either hawks eye or the more traditional brown tigers eye.  During this transformation which takes place over thousands of years, the asbestos is completely dissolved and the quartz takes on the fibrous formations which creates the parallel lines within tigers eye.  It is also the cause of the play of light and movement in this gemstone which is known as chatoyancy.

Like all gemstones which resemble eyes when cut or polished, tigers eye is a powerful protective amulet. Roman soldiers wore it because they believed it was an all seeing eye hence it offered good protection as a gemstone.  Even today it is used for psychic protection.

Tigers eye helps to release anxiety, fear and obsessiveness and makes emotions more logical.  It is frequently recommended by crystal healers as a good gemstone for business and achieving clarity.  Tigers eye symbolizes willpower, confidence and assurance and is also said to clear visual disturbances and provide protection during travel.

Tigers eye has the ability to calm the emotions relieving obstinate and stubborn behaviour hence providing flexibility. It strengthens energy and provides courage and is also said to aid its wearer in reducing stress and allows the mind to clearly define relationships with others.

It is one of the most desirable gemstones found in Western Australia and occurs in the rugged Hamersley Ranges of the Pilbara region.  This is an area that is extremely rich in iron ore with many huge mines currently in operation.

The main mining area however for tigers eye is in South Africa and the best gemstones come from Griqualand West.

Tigers eye is the gemstone for the ninth wedding anniversary and is graded 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardenss.

The following links offer further reading on tigers eye

http://www.gemologyonline.com/tigereye.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigers_eye
http://www.gemstoneeducation.com/TigersEye.htm