Tiger Eye is the trade name for a variety of Quartz that displays a unique optical effect known as chatoyancy (or cat's eye effect) when a polished stone is moved back and forth under light. Tiger's Eye was discovered by French traveller and ornithologist Francois Levaillant in 1784.

Since the 1870’s, geologists believed Tiger Eye as a pseudomorph where quartz replaced Crocidolite (aka blue asbestos). In 2003, a study was published in Geology Magazine that revealed the textures responsible for the shimmer of Tiger Eye does not represent pseudomorphic substitution of Quartz after preexisting Crocidolite asbestos. Instead, the shimmer is due to a mineral growth process known as crack-seal vein-filling. 

The crack-seal vein-filling process happens when a Quartz rock containing some Crocidolite cracks. Water containing the minerals necessary to make both Quartz and Crocidolite seep into the crack. Quartz begins to grow on the crack surface, while Crocidolite fibers begin to grow from pieces of Crocidolite that are on the crack surface. The crack area fills with new material and then the rock cracks again, typically in a sliding motion along the existing crack surface because it is weaker than other areas. The new crack fills the same way, but the crocidolite fiber is slightly offset because of the crack shear. This process forms bands of Quartz with diagonal, discontinuous crocidolite fibers causing its chatoyancy. After some of the iron in the Crocidolite oxidizes, the material becomes the rich shades of brown, golden and red. The asbestos in Tiger Eye is not hazardous because the fibers are completely replaced by Quartz and iron oxides.

Tiger Eye has an incredibly balancing and grounding energy that helps you find the courage to step into your power. Connect with the Divine Masculine and heals trauma you may have experienced with others oppressing your spirituality. Tiger Eye inspires fearless authenticity by enhancing your confidence and originality.

Hardness: 7

Color: Brown, yellow, golden, red, blue

Structure:  Trigonal

Care: Avoid prolonged exposure to heat (or extreme heat), direct sunlight and contact with water, abrasive surfaces or chemicals. Remove before contact sports, weight lifting or activities where it may come into contact with force. As always, minerals higher on the hardness scale should be stored away from it.

Cleaning: Warm water, mild soap, and soft brush.

Feng Shui Placement: Tiger Eye can be placed in the entryway for protection and harmony.