Tiger's Eye — Properties, Meaning, and Uses
Anima Mundi Crystals
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineralogical Name | Fibrous Quartz (Crocidolite Pseudomorph) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO? (with iron oxides) |
| Mineral Group | Tectosilicates – Quartz Group |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (pseudomorph fibers) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Density | 2.64-2.71 g/cm³ |
| Luster | Silky (chatoyant) |
| Fracture | Irregular to fibrous |
| Color | Golden brown to golden yellow |
| Streak | White to yellowish |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Optical Phenomenon | Chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) |
| Main Deposits | South Africa (Northern Cape), Australia, Namibia, India, USA |
What is Tiger's Eye?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Composition and Crystal Structure
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Hardness, Toughness, and Durability
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Optical Properties - Chatoyancy
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Other Properties
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye Varieties
| Variety | Color | Cause | Commercial Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Tiger's Eye | Golden brown to yellow | Goethite / limonite (oxidized Fe³?) | Tiger's eye |
| Hawk's Eye | Blue-grey to blue-green | Unoxidized crocidolite preserved | Hawk's eye / Falcon's eye |
| Bull's Eye | Red to red-brown | Artificially heated tiger's eye | Bull's eye / Ox eye |
| Multi-color Tiger's Eye | Golden, blue and red in bands | Natural mix of oxidized and unoxidized zones | Tiger-iron, Mugglestone |
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Where is Tiger's Eye Found?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
- South Africa - Northern Cape (Griquatown): The world's largest producer and source of the highest quality material. The Northern Cape tiger's eye belt stretches for tens of kilometers and produces the most saturated golden material with the best chatoyancy on the market.
- Australia - Pilbara, Western Australia: Produces "tiger iron" - a mix of tiger's eye, red hematite, and jasper that creates unique multi-color patterns.
- Namibia: Good quality material with lighter tones than South African.
- India - Rajasthan: Tiger's eye with variable chatoyancy, mainly for the economic market.
- USA - Arizona and California: Secondary deposits of medium quality.
Uses of Tiger's Eye
In Jewelry and Lapidary
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
In Decoration and Collecting
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye in Cultural and Spiritual Tradition
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
History and Ancient Uses
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Meaning in Different Cultures
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Attributed Properties in Crystal Therapy
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Chakras and Associations
| Property | Association |
|---|---|
| Chakra | Solar Plexus (Manipura) / Sacral (Svadhisthana) |
| Element | Fire / Earth |
| Planet | Sun / Mars |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo, Capricorn |
| Number | 4 |
How to Identify Authentic Tiger's Eye
Basic Tests
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Common Confusions and Treatments
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Storage and Precautions
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye at Anima Mundi Crystals
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger's Eye
What causes the eye effect in Tiger's Eye?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Is Tiger's Eye a form of asbestos?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Is blue Tiger's Eye natural?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Can Tiger's Eye be used in rings?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Where is the best Tiger's Eye in the world mined?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
What is the difference between Tiger's Eye and Cat's Eye?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
What is Tiger's Eye used for in crystal therapy?
Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph quartz (SiO?) that retains the fibrous structure of crocidolite - a blue amphibole completely oxidized and replaced by silica - which produces its golden chatoyancy, with a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs. 90% of the world's production comes from South Africa (Northern Cape). The golden hue is due to the oxidation of iron in the crocidolite fibers during siliceous replacement.
Recommended Bibliography
- Gienger, M. (1998). Crystal Power, Crystal Healing. Blandford.
- Simmons, R. & Ahsian, N. (2005). The Book of Stones. Heaven & Earth Publishing.
- Hall, J. (2003). The Crystal Bible. Gaia Ediciones.
- Tiger's Eye - Mindat.org
- Tiger's Eye - Wikipedia