Tiger eye gemstone, a gem known for its high powering and the impression it gives, has indeed captured human attention for centuries. It is one of the quartz group minerals and features a totally uncommon chatoyancy, like that of a tiger’s eye, which is where this stone gets its name. Besides the aesthetic value, Tiger Eye is also revered for metaphysical properties and the numerous advantages it reaps. In this comprehensive guide, we will further learn every detail regarding this beautiful gemstone-from its roots to spiritual and practical usage, as well as tips on acquiring the best quality Tiger Eye.
Table of Content :
1. What is Tiger Eye Gemstone?
2. The History and Origin of Tiger Eye
3. Various Types and Colors of Tiger Eye
4. How to Identify Genuine Tiger Eye Gemstone
5. How to Maintain and Clean Tiger Eye Gemstone
6. How to Buy Quality Tiger Eye Gemstone
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs:
What is Tiger Eye Gemstone?
It is a shiny gemstone that mostly occurs in colors of golden to reddish-brown with silken sheen. It consists mainly of silicon dioxide, which is filled with inclusions of iron, responsible for the coloration of the stone. Tiger Eye comes in the quartz family and is used in jewelry as well as spiritual practicing due to the protection aspects it carries.
The History And Origin Of Tiger Eye
The stone has been used by cultures for thousands of years primarily for its protective qualities. Ancient Roman soldiers wore Tiger Eye amulets while at war to protect them from dangers. It was said to give the wearer courage and to fight off evil. Its association with strength, vitality, and protection has made Tiger Eye a stone in high demand throughout the Far East and Africa for centuries.
Originally mined in South Africa, the deposits are now located in many other areas of the world: in Australia, India, Brazil, and even in the United States. This beautiful play of colors, which can be seen through chatoyancy has been desired for centuries; it is popularly surmised that Tiger Eye has commonly been used in adornments and spirituality.
Several types and colors of Tiger Eye
While golden-brown is the most available color for Tiger Eye, the gemstone also comes in other varieties each with its distinct characteristics.
Golden Tiger Eye
This popular color is that of golden Tiger Eye, wherein it presents itself with its color of rich gold to brown color with shimmering bands. A stone attributed to attracting wealth and success and boosting confidence.
Blue Tiger Eye (Hawk’s Eye)
Another variation, Hawk’s Eye, comes in deep blue and is said to promote calm and clarity. It is supposed to be good for communication and calming down anxiety and stress.
Red Tiger Eye
Red Tiger Eye, also referred to as Dragon’s Eye is the heat-treated stone meant to deepen reddish-brown color. It is said to stimulate the base chakra and provoke motivation as well as sexual energy.
How to Identify Real Tiger Eye Gemstone
Although the popularity of Tiger Eye is growing, the functionality of knowing how to identify an actual gemstone or else one has a forgery stands to be much more essential.
Physical Characteristics
- Chatoyancy: A natural Tiger Eye must have an oily, glittering shine sweeping across the stone upon its turn. One of the most significant features of a natural Tiger Eye is the optical phenomenon called chatoyancy.
- Weight: Being a quartz crystal, Tiger Eye should have sufficient weight. It is often light in case of a reproduction or lower-quality stone.
- Hardness: The hardness of Tiger Eye falls between 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. This means that it is going to be somewhat scratch resistant. To check for scratching of the stone, use a harder object, say glass. A proper Tiger Eye should not scratch easily.
Synthetic glass and plastic Tiger Eye stones can be found, too. The imitations will have very little or no chatoyancy and most probably weigh a light pound compared to the real thing. Only purchase from sources that are reliable. When possible, get certification, so you know you are buying the natural, original Tiger Eye.
How to Care for and Cleanse Tiger Eye Gemstone
Tiger Eye is a strong gem, but it ought still to be handled with care in order to unlock its full aesthetic as well as practical potentials.
Proper Cleaning of Your Tiger Eye
- Water and Soap: Clean your Tiger Eye in soapy warm water using a soft cloth. Do not expose the stone to damaging chemicals that could be toxic to it.
- Heat Avoidance: Though the Tiger Eye may be heat-resistant, do not let it stay at very high temperatures, which may cause discoloration.
- Proper Storage: Keep Tiger Eye separate from other gemstones to prevent scratching.
Source and Certification
Always look for reputable sellers who provide certification of their gemstones. The highest-quality Tiger Eye basically comes from South Africa; however stones from Australia and India can be excellent.
Color and Chatoyancy
The better the color and marked the chatoyancy is, the higher quality is the Tiger Eye. Stones with bright colors and sharp light banding would serve as the best quality.
Conclusion
Tiger Eye gemstone is a strong stone of protection, grounding, and personal power. Whether you’re using it for spiritual practices, wear it as jewelry, or simply admire its beauty, this stone has much to offer. Understanding the different types of Tiger Eye, healing properties, and how to purchase and care for the stone would make users enjoy all the benefits that this remarkable gemstone has in store for them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is Tiger Eye Gemstone?
Tiger eye is a light-reflecting chatoyant gemstone, usually in shades of golden brown to reddish brown. It belongs to the quartz family, but this stone has been very highly valued because of its unique appearance and metaphysical properties. The stone is widely worn as jewelry, but it’s also used in spiritual practices, particularly those connected with protection, courage, and balance.
Q2: How do I know if my Tiger Eye gemstone is real?
Find a real Tiger Eye
•Chatoyancy: A genuine Tiger Eye has silken light that moves over the stone as it is rotated.
•Hardness test: The Mohs hardness of a Tiger Eye spans between 6.5 and 7. It must be very hard to scratch.
•Weight: The stone should have a heavy weight, considering the stone is quartz-based. Fake stones are plastic or glass-based and will feel light.
Q3: How to use it in real life?
•Ornaments: By wearing Tiger Eye ring, pendant, or bracelet, one can closely keep the protective and empowering energy with it.
•Meditation: Tiger Eye is said to enhance concentration and clarity levels in meditators.
•Home Décor : It may help clear bad energy while bringing goodness to a place. Placing Tiger Eye inside or near the entrance should do the trick.
Q4: How do I clean and maintain my Tiger Eye?
Take proper care of your Tiger Eye gemstone:
•Cleaning: Submerge it in warm soapy water and gently wipe it with a soft cloth. Never use chemicals.
•Energies Cleansing: Do the process of smudging (sage), moonlight, or sound (singing bowls) to cleanse the stone for any negative energy that may have built up
•Storage: Store it in a soft pouch or keep it separately with other gemstones to avoid scratching.
Q5: Where is Tiger Eye widely available?
Tiger Eye is mostly available in South Africa. But it is also present in other locations such as India, Australia, Brazil and United States.
Q6: What are some tips for getting a good quality Tiger Eye gemstone?
When Buying Tiger Eye:
• Excellent chatoyancy: High-quality Tiger Eye stones display vibrant colors and extremely bright shimmering band of light.
•Origin and authentication: Buy from known sellers and request for documentation certification to be proved genuine and quality.
•Colour: Select stones which are well-colored in order to make sure that the golden-brown or blue and red is regarded as being more valuable.
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