Tiger’s Eye: Colors, Meaning and Benefits

Greetings, I am Phung Phuong, a Feng Shui expert and member of LotusBuddhas. Today, I will share my insights about Tiger’s Eye. Tiger’s Eye, a stone with a soul as fierce and steadfast as the majestic animal it’s named after, is a beacon of strength, courage and resilience. This enchanting gemstone, bathed in shades of golden-brown and rich amber, possesses an almost hypnotic quality.  Its unique bands of colors shift and shimmer in the light, mimicking the eye of a watchful tiger, a symbol of unwavering determination and undeniable power.

The energies of the Tiger’s Eye are equally compelling, believed to fortify the spirit, ground the soul, and shield against negative forces. It serves as a physical embodiment of the potent, nurturing energies of the Earth, grounding us firmly to our physical existence while also awakening our spiritual awareness.

What is Tiger’s Eye stone?

Tiger’s Eye, scientifically designated as a metamorphic rock, is a remarkable member of the quartz group of minerals. Noted for its striking chatoyancy and vibrant coloration—ranging from gold to brown to red—this gemstone is esteemed for both its aesthetic qualities and its prevalence in metaphysical practices.

Tiger’s Eye is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), essentially quartz, which has been pseudomorphically replaced from crocidolite, a form of asbestos. It is primarily composed of densely packed, parallel, fibrous structures of quartz and amphibole fibers, which are responsible for its distinct chatoyancy. This optical phenomenon, similar to the sheen off a spool of silk, is produced by the reflection of light off these parallel inclusions within the stone. As such, the light interacts with the fibrous structures, producing a lustrous, silky appearance reminiscent of the sheen visible in a tiger’s eye—hence, its name.

Tiger’s Eye has a prominent role in various cultural and metaphysical beliefs.  It is often associated with properties such as grounding, protection, integrity and empowerment. While these beliefs lack scientific backing, they are nevertheless integral to many global practices and traditions involving gemstones and crystals.

From a practical perspective, Tiger’s Eye is commonly cut into cabochons, beads, or carved into various shapes for use in jewelry. It is also polished and used as a display piece. Regardless of its form, care should be taken to avoid harsh chemicals or extreme heat, as they may alter its color and luster.

Chemical composition and crystal structure

The properties of Tiger’s Eye can be broken down into a comprehensive table, presenting the mineral’s chemical composition and crystal structure in a structured and accessible manner.

Property	Description
Chemical formula	SiO2 with traces of Fe, Na, and Mg
Color	Golden to reddish-brown
Crystal system	Trigonal
Crystal habit	Fibrous, massive
Twinning	None
Cleavage	None
Fracture	Fibrous
Tenacity	Brittle
Mohs hardness	7
Luster	Silky
Streak	Yellow
Diaphaneity	Opaque
Specific gravity	2.64-2.71
Optical properties	Double refractive, uniaxial positive
Refractive index	1.544 – 1.553
Birefringence	0.009
Pleochroism	None

The above table provides a snapshot of Tiger’s Eye’s key properties. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), with trace amounts of iron (Fe), sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg). These minor elements largely contribute to the gemstone’s distinctive coloring.

Its crystal structure is trigonal, a subtype of the hexagonal system characterized by a single three-fold axis of rotation. The stone generally exhibits a fibrous and massive crystal habit due to its unique formation process.

Tiger’s Eye has a Mohs hardness of 7, which is reasonably high and akin to most other quartz minerals. It displays a silky luster, a direct result of its fibrous structure and the interaction of light with these fibers—this results in the notable chatoyant, or “cat’s eye”, effect.  Opaque in diaphaneity, it’s also double refractive and uniaxial positive in its optical properties, which further enhance its overall visual appeal and contribute to its signature optical phenomenon.

Formation processes of Tiger’s Eye stone

The formation of Tiger’s Eye is a complex, geological metamorphic process that involves the alteration of the mineral crocidolite, a form of asbestos, by silica (SiO2). This process is quite unique and relies heavily on the combination of pressure, heat and specific chemical conditions.

Initially, the mineral crocidolite, or blue asbestos, forms in long, thin fibrous crystals. Crocidolite is a sodium iron silicate, colored blue by the presence of iron. This mineral, part of the riebeckite family of amphiboles, establishes the basic structure for the transformation into Tiger’s Eye.

Over time, through a process known as pseudomorphosis, the crocidolite is gradually replaced by silica. Under significant heat and pressure, water solutions carrying dissolved silica infiltrate the crocidolite. This infiltration prompts the silica to precipitate out of the solution, depositing layer upon layer until the crocidolite is completely replaced. Importantly, the process retains the original fibrous structure of the crocidolite, resulting in the fibrous quartz structure characteristic of Tiger’s Eye.

During this metamorphic transformation, iron within the crocidolite oxidizes, turning the stone’s color from blue to a golden brown. This iron oxidation, combined with the fibrous structure of the quartz, produces Tiger’s Eye’s unique chatoyant, or “cat’s eye”, effect.  Light reflecting off the parallel inclusions within the stone produces an alluring, moving band of light, commonly referred to as the stone’s “eye”.

It’s worth noting that if the silica replacement occurs without complete oxidation of the iron, the result is a stone known as Hawk’s Eye, which retains the original blue color of the crocidolite.

This process of transformation, while relatively simple in description, takes place over an extended period. The exact time frame varies considerably, contingent on environmental factors such as the geothermal gradient, the concentration of silica in the infiltrating water, and the availability of oxygen for iron oxidation. The result is the production of the renowned gemstone that we know as Tiger’s Eye, admired for its unique chatoyancy and distinctive golden-brown hue.

Where is Tiger’s Eye found?

Tiger’s Eye is a globally recognized gemstone, primarily mined in several distinct locations known for their rich mineral deposits. You have to note that the geographical source of a Tiger’s Eye can potentially influence its color tones and patterns, thus adding to its appeal and value.

1. South Africa: This country is the leading source of Tiger’s Eye, with extensive deposits located primarily in the Northern Cape Province. South African Tiger’s Eye is distinguished by its high quality and the characteristic golden to brown hues.
2. Western Australia: Substantial deposits of Tiger’s Eye are found in the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara region. Australian Tiger’s Eye typically exhibits a mix of beautiful gold, brown, and red tones.
3. India: In India, the regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are known for their Tiger’s Eye deposits. Indian Tiger’s Eye often shows a more varied color spectrum, including hues of blue, commonly referred to as Hawk’s Eye.
4. United States: The United States, primarily western states such as California and Arizona, have also been sources of Tiger’s Eye, though on a smaller scale compared to the other countries listed.
5. Canada: Tiger’s Eye has been found in regions of Canada, specifically in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, adding to the country’s diverse mineral portfolio.
6. Myanmar (Burma): Renowned for its rich gemstone resources, Myanmar also contributes to the global supply of Tiger’s Eye.

Despite the abundance of Tiger’s Eye, its unique formation process and distinct aesthetic characteristics ensure that it continues to be a prized gemstone in the world of mineralogy and gemology.

The different colors of Tiger’s Eye stone

Tiger’s Eye is well-recognized for its distinctive chatoyancy and color variety. While the most familiar form of Tiger’s Eye showcases a golden to reddish-brown hue, the mineral does occur in several other colors due to variations in its formation process and mineral content. Each variant not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the Tiger’s Eye family but also presents unique attributes for study within mineralogical and gemological spheres.

1. Golden-Brown Tiger’s Eye: This is the most common and recognizable form of Tiger’s Eye. The iconic golden to brown color spectrum is the result of the oxidation of iron during the pseudomorphosis process where crocidolite is replaced by silica.
2. Blue Tiger’s Eye (Hawk’s Eye): This variant is formed when the pseudomorphosis process occurs without complete oxidation of the iron present in the crocidolite. The stone thus retains the original blue color of the crocidolite. Hawk’s Eye, or Blue Tiger’s Eye, exhibits the same fibrous structure and chatoyant effect as its golden-brown counterpart, albeit in a different color.
3. Red Tiger’s Eye (Bull’s Eye): Red Tiger’s Eye, or Bull’s Eye, is typically formed through the heat treatment of the golden-brown Tiger’s Eye.  When gently heated, the stone transforms to a deep red color. This variant still retains the mesmerizing chatoyancy of the original stone.
4. Multi-Colored Tiger’s Eye: It is not uncommon to find Tiger’s Eye that features multiple colors in a single specimen. This multicolor effect can be due to a combination of the original iron content, the degree of iron oxidation, and other trace elements present during the stone’s formation.
5. Cat’s Eye Tiger’s Eye: In rare instances, Tiger’s Eye can exhibit a high-quality chatoyant band that is so well-defined it mirrors the effect seen in cat’s eye gemstones like chrysoberyl. These stones are typically cut into cabochons to enhance this optical effect.

Each color variant of Tiger’s Eye maintains the mineral’s distinctive lustre, hardness and chatoyancy. Despite the shared mineral composition and similar formation processes, the range of colors present in Tiger’s Eye underscores the inherent variability and uniqueness present in natural geological processes. Furthermore, the diverse color palette of Tiger’s Eye continues to increase its appeal among gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and practitioners of crystal-based metaphysical practices.

Tiger’s Eye stone meaning and symbolism

Tiger’s Eye is a captivating semi-precious gemstone with a rich history and a plethora of spiritual connotations. This golden-brown quartz is recognized by its unique chatoyant, or cat’s-eye effect, which resembles the focused gaze of a tiger. This particular visual characteristic has garnered the stone substantial symbolic importance across various cultures throughout the ages.

In spiritual and metaphysical circles, Tiger’s Eye is known as a stone of protection, courage, and insight. The tiger is universally associated with strength and fearlessness, and the stone bearing its name is believed to instill these attributes into the wearer. It’s said to promote balance, grounding one’s energy while simultaneously amplifying their strength and power.

In Ancient Egypt, the Tiger’s Eye was revered as an all-seeing, all-knowing eye, known to grant the bearer the ability to observe everything, even through closed doors. They believed it could bring clarity, ward off evil, and provide protection during travel, a symbolism that persists even today.

In Eastern cultures, particularly in Chinese symbolism, the Tiger’s Eye is associated with the powerful and auspicious energy of the tiger, one of the four sacred animals.  It is believed to repel bad luck and misfortune and promote resilience and unwavering focus. Here, the Tiger’s Eye crystal is often used as an amulet to protect against ill-wishing and curses.

For many Native American tribes, the tiger symbolizes the primal instincts of survival and hunting. Therefore, the Tiger’s Eye stone is recognized as a totem of this formidable creature, believed to bestow its wearer with improved intuition, strength, and an enhanced ability to navigate difficult situations.

In Roman times, soldiers carried Tiger’s Eye to grant them courage and protect them in battle. They believed the stone could reflect back harm to its sender, functioning as a shield during conflict.

In modern Western spirituality, Tiger’s Eye is known as a stone of determination and willpower, said to help focus the mind and dissipate fear and anxiety. It’s often used in meditation, where its grounding energies are believed to aid in achieving inner silence and creating a deeper spiritual connection.

When used in healing practices, Tiger’s Eye is believed to balance the lower chakras, stabilize mood swings, and stimulate taking action unclouded by emotions. It’s a stone often recommended for those who feel stuck or in need of motivation or clarity.

All in all, regardless of the culture or belief system, the central theme of Tiger’s Eye symbolism remains steadfast: it’s a stone of power, protection and mental clarity. It’s an emblem of unwavering determination, much like the formidable gaze of the tiger itself, steadfast, focused, and brimming with unshakeable power.

Benefits of Tiger’s Eye stone

Tiger’s Eye bears a rich tapestry of spiritual, emotional and mental benefits. Its inherent properties are believed to resonate with the frequencies of the Earth, providing a profound connection between the physical and the spiritual realms.

Healing properties

Believed to harness the energies of the Earth and the Sun, Tiger’s Eye is revered for its profound healing properties. This captivating stone has been used in various cultures for centuries, known to infuse the user with a harmonious blend of high vibrational energies. While not a substitute for professional medical advice, Tiger’s Eye is often utilized in spiritual and holistic practices as a complementary therapy.

• Emotional healing: Tiger’s Eye is renowned for its emotionally soothing properties. It encourages balance and stability, especially in situations of emotional turmoil. It assists in reducing anxiety, fear, and obsessive thoughts by helping to ground one’s energies and promoting a deeper sense of calm and inner peace.
• Mental healing: Tiger’s Eye is a stone of mental clarity. It’s known to stimulate focus, improve decision-making, and enhance problem-solving capabilities by aligning the mind with universal truths. By connecting with the stone, one can harness its energies to dispel illusions and see through the fog of emotional and mental confusion.
• Physical healing: In physical healing, Tiger’s Eye has been utilized to balance the body’s energies and promote physical vitality. It’s said to stimulate the function of the endocrine system, aid digestion, and support eye health. It’s often used in crystal healing layouts with the belief that its energy can ease pain, inflammation, and speed up the body’s healing process.
• Chakra healing and balancing energy: The Tiger’s Eye resonates with solar plexus and sacral chakra.  By balancing these energy centers, it promotes a feeling of groundedness and inner strength. This balance can lead to a better understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world, fostering a sense of self-confidence and purpose.
• Spiritual healing: On a spiritual level, Tiger’s Eye is used as a tool for enhancing psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance and remote viewing. It’s also believed to protect against negative energies and entities, making it an excellent stone for spiritual protection.

In the realm of crystal healing, the Tiger’s Eye is a symbol of resilience and determination. It’s a stone that encourages us to harness our inner strength, promotes clarity, and provides protection—much like the piercing, unflinching gaze of the tiger itself.

Metaphysical properties

Tiger’s Eye with its captivating bands of gold, brown, and yellow, is celebrated for its profound metaphysical properties. The energies of this luminous stone are said to resonate with specific frequencies of the Earth and the Universe, manifesting as a bridge between the Earthly and spiritual realms.

• Harmonizing dual energies: One of the most distinctive metaphysical properties of Tiger’s Eye is its ability to balance and harmonize dual energies. It marries the warm vitality of the sun with the grounding stability of the earth, making it a perfect stone for individuals seeking equilibrium in their lives.
• Protection and grounding: Tiger’s Eye is renowned for its protective and grounding qualities. It is believed to create an energetic shield that repels negativity, stress, and psychic attacks. At the same time, its grounding properties encourage a deep connection with the physical world, promoting a sense of presence and earthly harmony.
• Enhancement of personal power: This stone is also associated with personal power and self-confidence. The tiger, a symbol of courage and fearlessness, imbues its spirit into the stone, helping to foster self-belief, courage, and the ability to take action.
• Fostering clear perception: Tiger’s Eye is often referred to as a stone of insight, enhancing mental clarity and illuminating issues that might have been difficult to see otherwise. It’s believed to aid in recognizing one’s needs and desires, differentiating between wishful thinking and what one actually needs.
• Boosting creativity and motivation: By activating the solar plexus chakra, the Tiger’s Eye is said to stimulate one’s motivation, determination and creativity. It encourages forward movement and the ability to manifest one’s ideas and dreams into reality.
• Aid in meditation: The grounding energy of Tiger’s Eye makes it an excellent stone for meditation. It is believed to help quiet the mind, allowing one to focus on the flow of energy within the body and connect with higher states of consciousness.
• Enhancement of psychic abilities: Lastly, Tiger’s Eye is thought to enhance psychic abilities, particularly those related to earth energy, such as psychometry or geomancy. Its powerful energies can stimulate the third eye, leading to lucid dreaming and increased spiritual awareness.

In essence,  Tiger’s Eye is a stone of practicality and balance, insightful in its observation, grounding in its perception,  and protective in its awareness. Its vibrant energy encourages us to live in harmony with the world around us, moving through life with a grounded, unshakeable confidence akin to the noble tiger itself.

How to use Tiger’s Eye stone for good feng shui

Tiger’s Eye holds a special place in the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui. As a stone of balance and power, it’s considered ideal for enhancing the flow of chi (energy) in your living space and creating an environment of harmony and positivity. Here are some ways to use Tiger’s Eye Stone that Phung Phuong often applies to his clients to have good Feng Shui:

1. Entrances and doorways: Place a Tiger’s Eye near the main entrance or doorway of your home or office. Its protective qualities are believed to repel negative energies and shield your space from harm. It’s like a spiritual bouncer, keeping out unwanted vibes.
2. Living room: To promote a sense of groundedness and harmony among family members, consider placing a Tiger’s Eye in the living room. It can help create a balanced, welcoming atmosphere that encourages open communication and a deeper connection with each other.
3. Workspace or office: If you wish to enhance concentration and motivation in your workspace, a Tiger’s Eye on your desk can be beneficial. Its energy can help stimulate clarity, focus, and decision-making, providing a productivity boost and promoting a can-do spirit.
4. Meditation space: Using Tiger’s Eye in your meditation area can deepen your spiritual practice. It’s known to calm the mind and aid in achieving a state of inner silence, making it an excellent companion for meditative practices.
5. Bedroom: To enhance personal empowerment and self-confidence, keep a Tiger’s Eye on your bedside table or under your pillow. The stone’s energies can influence your subconscious during sleep, fostering a sense of courage and resilience.
6. Wealth corner: In Feng Shui, the southeastern corner of your home or room is the wealth corner. Placing a Tiger’s Eye here is thought to attract financial stability and prosperity by amplifying your manifestation abilities and strengthening your focus on wealth creation.

Incorporating the Tiger’s Eye into your space can have a harmonizing effect on the energy of your environment, thereby promoting a positive flow of chi.  It’s a beacon of balance, power, and grounding force – a powerful ally in your Feng Shui practices. Always remember to cleanse and reenergize your Tiger’s Eye regularly to ensure it continues to vibrate at its highest potential.

How to cleanse and charge Tiger’s Eye

Like any other crystal, Tiger’s Eye absorbs energies from its surroundings and those who handle it. Over time, these accumulated energies can disrupt its inherent vibrational frequency, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, regular cleansing and recharging of your Tiger’s Eye are crucial to maintain its power and potency.

1. Smudging: One of the most popular ways to cleanse crystals is by smudging them with sacred herbs like sage, Palo Santo, or sweetgrass. Light the end of the herb stick, then gently wave the smoke over your Tiger’s Eye, intending to clear away any negative or stagnant energies. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated space, and never leave burning items unattended.
2. Sound therapy: You can use the power of sound vibrations to cleanse your Tiger’s Eye. Instruments like singing bowls, tuning forks, or even clapping can generate sound waves that penetrate the crystal and disperse accumulated negativity.
3. Running water: Hold your Tiger’s Eye under running water for a few minutes. Visualize the water washing away all the negativity, reenergizing the stone. Please note that not all crystals are safe to cleanse with water, but Tiger’s Eye is relatively hardy.
4. Brown rice method: Submerge your Tiger’s Eye in a bowl of uncooked brown rice overnight. Rice is believed to draw out negativity. Remember to discard the rice afterward.

Once cleansed, you have to recharge the stone. Here are a few methods that Phung Phuong often uses:

1. Sunlight or moonlight: Allow your Tiger’s Eye to bathe in sunlight or moonlight for several hours. The Sun’s vibrant energy or the Moon’s calming influence will recharge the stone. However, be aware that excessive sunlight can cause some stones to fade, but Tiger’s Eye is generally resistant to this.
2. Earth energy: Bury your Tiger’s Eye in the Earth overnight. The Earth’s natural energies will recharge the stone, reinvigorating its grounding qualities.
3. Crystal clusters: Place your Tiger’s Eye on a quartz or amethyst cluster or geode. These crystals act as natural chargers and can re-energize your stone.
4. Visualization: Hold your Tiger’s Eye in your hands, close your eyes, and visualize a bright light surrounding the stone, restoring and amplifying its energies.

Remember, your intention is crucial when cleansing and charging your Tiger’s Eye. Always approach this process with a calm mind and a focused intent. By taking care of your Tiger’s Eye, you allow it to take care of you, serving as a talisman of protection, balance and strength.

How to identify authentic Tiger’s Eye

Identifying an authentic Tiger’s Eye requires careful examination and a keen understanding of the stone’s unique characteristics. Tiger’s Eye, known for its lustrous,  chatoyant bands and warm, earthy hues, has several tell-tale signs that can help you verify its authenticity:

1. Appearance: Genuine Tiger’s Eye exhibits a captivating, silky luster. It showcases bands of rich golden-brown, dark brown, and even reddish hues. These colors should appear natural and not overly vibrant or artificial.
2. Chatoyancy: Tiger’s Eye is famous for its chatoyancy, a property that makes it seem like a band of light is moving across the stone when it’s rotated. This ‘cat’s eye’ or ‘tiger’s eye’ effect is a defining characteristic of this gemstone and should be clearly observable in an authentic specimen.
3. Weight and temperature: Genuine Tiger’s Eye, being a type of quartz, will have a certain heft to it, feeling heavier than an equivalent volume of glass or plastic. It will also feel cool to the touch, a property characteristic of real gemstones.
4. Hardness: Tiger’s Eye has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly resistant to scratching. If your stone can be easily scratched by a steel blade or a similar hard object, it may not be a genuine Tiger’s Eye.
5. Structure: Genuine Tiger’s Eye will often show some irregularities or natural flaws, as is common with most natural gemstones. Uniform perfection could be a sign of a man-made imitation.
6. Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. While Tiger’s Eye is relatively affordable compared to some other gemstones, it should not be excessively cheap.

If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your Tiger’s Eye, it’s advisable to seek help from a professional gemologist or a reputable gemstone dealer. They can use specialized equipment to confirm the stone’s identity. Always remember to buy from trusted and reputable sources to ensure you’re getting an authentic Tiger’s Eye.

Combine Tiger’s Eye with other crystals

When working with crystals, combining various stones can create synergistic effects, amplifying the unique qualities of each crystal. The choice of combination depends largely on your specific needs and intentions.

• Tiger’s Eye and Clear quartz: Combining Tiger’s Eye with Clear Quartz can enhance mental clarity and focus, owing to Quartz’s ability to amplify energy and intention. This duo can serve as a powerful aid for decision-making and problem-solving.
• Tiger’s Eye and Citrine quartz: When paired with Citrine, a stone of abundance and manifestation, Tiger’s Eye’s grounding and empowering energies can aid in manifesting desires and goals. This combination can help transform dreams into reality, especially in career and financial matters.
• Tiger’s Eye and Black Tourmaline: For a powerful protective shield, combine Tiger’s Eye with Black Tourmaline. While Tiger’s Eye wards off negative energy, Black Tourmaline is known for grounding and purifying energies. Together, they create an impenetrable energetic barrier.
• Tiger’s Eye and Hematite: Both Tiger’s Eye and Hematite have strong grounding properties. When used together, they can deeply anchor your energy to the Earth, promoting feelings of stability and connectedness.
• Tiger’s Eye and Amethyst: If you aim to enhance your spiritual awareness, pairing Tiger’s Eye with Amethyst can be effective. Amethyst’s connection to the Divine and spiritual insight combined with Tiger’s Eye’s grounding and protective qualities create a balance between the spiritual and physical realms.
• Tiger’s Eye and Rose quartz: To balance personal power with compassion, combine Tiger’s Eye with Rose Quartz. While Tiger’s Eye enhances courage and determination, Rose Quartz promotes love and gentleness, creating a harmonious blend of strength and kindness.

These are just a few examples of the many ways you can combine Tiger’s Eye with other crystals.  Always trust your intuition when pairing crystals, as your personal energy and intention play a significant role in your experience with these beautiful stones.

Is Tiger’s Eye a birthstone?

In traditional Western astrology, birthstones are associated with the months of the year, and Tiger’s Eye is not officially recognized as a birthstone for any specific month. The widely recognized birthstone system we refer to today, with a specific stone for each month, was established by the Jewelers of America in 1912.

However, when we delve into the realm of astrological or zodiac birthstones, which are associated with astrological signs rather than calendar months, Tiger’s Eye holds significance. In this system, Tiger’s Eye is often associated with the astrological sign of Gemini, which spans from May 21 to June 20. The stone’s dual nature, embodied in its earthy yet luminous appearance, resonates well with Gemini’s dualistic, mutable energy.

Moreover,  Tiger’s Eye is also often connected to Capricorn, which runs from December 22 to January 19. The grounding and practical qualities of the stone mirror Capricorn’s earthy, disciplined, and ambitious character. So, while Tiger’s Eye might not be a traditional birthstone, it is certainly a stone of choice for Geminis and Capricorns, or for anyone seeking grounding, balance and protection.