Golden brown with silky bands
Hardness 6.5–7
Solar Plexus · Root
Capricorn · Leo
Origins & Geology
Found in: South Africa, Australia, India, USA, Brazil
Tiger's eye is a chatoyant gemstone — a quartz variety that forms when crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers are replaced by silica, preserving the fibrous structure. The result is a silky, moving luster called 'chatoyancy' (cat's eye effect). The golden-brown color comes from iron oxide. Related stones include hawk's eye (blue) and ox eye (red).
Tiger's Eye Meaning & Healing Properties
A stone of courage, willpower, and focused action, tiger's eye combines the energy of earth and sun. Ancient Roman soldiers wore it in battle for protection and bravery. It sharpens the mind, integrates both hemispheres of the brain, and helps see clearly through deception. Excellent for breaking through indecision and fear.
How to Use Tiger's Eye
- Building confidence and courage
- Overcoming indecision
- Protection during travel
- Enhancing focus and willpower
- Seeing through deception
Tiger's Eye Facts
- Tiger's eye forms from a process called pseudomorphism — one mineral replacing another
- Ancient Roman soldiers wore it engraved with symbols for protection in battle
- The optical effect 'chatoyancy' comes from the French word for 'cat's eye'
- Hawk's eye is the blue variety of the same mineral