Tigers Eye Polished Sphere
These fine grade tigers eye spheres have been cut from material mined in South Africa. They both exhibit chatoyance which is an optical phenomenon best known for its present in tigers eye.
Chatoyance is caused as light reflects off fibrous inclusions within the mineral. The reflection produces a narrow parallel band of light that imparts a silky sheen. As the tigers eye is moved colours and markings can appear to move.
Tigers eye also known as tiger eye is a relatively hard mineral which makes it particularly suitable for lapidary purposes. A distinctive variety of quartz which comes primarily from Western Australia and South Africa, it's popular with rock and mineral collectors.
In Ancient Rome soldiers believed tigers eye to be a powerful amulet. It was said to be an all seeing eye hence offered protection. When used today in crystal healing it's still used for protection.
In recent years there has been some concern regarding the presence of asbestos in tigers eye. Whilst asbestos is present in this mineral it's encapsulated deep within the quartz so poses no risk at all.
Although both tigers eye spheres are a small size, one is slightly larger than the other.
