What On Earth Is Tiger’s Eye?
Tiger's Eye is most identifiable by its contrasting colors and luster that make it ideal for decorative and jewelry pieces. The rippled wavy bands of gold to brown color often resemble a scenic view such as desert sunset.
The Physical Properties of Tiger’s Eye
Tiger's eye is composed mostly of silicon dioxide. It is colored mainly by iron oxide, giving it its golden to red-brown color with a silky luster. A member of the quartz family, tiger's eye gets its silky, lustrous appearance from the parallel intergrowth of quartz crystals and altered amphibole fibers.
The History of Tiger’s Eye
Tiger's eye is mined in Western Australia, US, Canada, India, South Africa, Burma, and Namibia. In the late 16th century, Tiger’s Eye was considered more valuable than gold for certain tribes for being so rare and strikingly beautiful.
Throughout history, it has been a stone of prosperity and good fortune, protecting from the malice or threats from others.
The Lore of Tiger’s Eye
The Egyptians would use Tiger's Eye as the eyes for their deity status to express and was believed to provide the protection of Ra, the sun god, and Geb, god of the growing land.
In Eastern mythology, Tiger's Eye was linked to the magical tiger, the king of beasts. Tiger’s Eye represented courage, integrity and right use of power. Roman soldiers carried it to deflect weapons and to remain brave in battle.
Tiger's Eyes is believed to bring good luck to the wearer and promotes mental clarity and conflicting emotions.
