Good morning, it’s Thursday and that means Crystal Thursday! Today’s topic is the beautiful shimmery Tiger’s Eye. The original post went up back on December 2, 2017. It’s an interesting stone; Tiger’s Eye is silica based and is actually a type of Quartz. The shimmer you see when turning it in the light comes from the way the Quartz lays and a mineral called Crocidolite which is a type of asbestos. Now before you freak out and vow to never touch Tiger’s Eye, when polished the threat of a problem is very low. To be on the safe side avoid breaking a polished piece and wash your hands after handling. Of course in raw form it’s a different story and care must be taken during and after handling.
The use of Tiger’s Eye for jewelry and other decorative pieces goes back approximately 2500 years. Archeologists have found pieces in tombs when excavating. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used it for jewelry as well as talismans of a sort. Soldiers believed that wearing or carrying a piece into battle would not only give them strength and courage for battle, they believed it would protected from harm. The Ancient Chinese also believed Tiger’s Eye brought good fortune.
Between 1784 and 1803 there were two instances of men finding Tiger’s Eye. The first was by a French Ornithologist named Francois Levaillant. He made two trips to Africa in 1784 and 1796, while traveling found pieces along a river. The second man to document finding it followed in Levaillants footsteps in 1803 along the Orange River in Africa.
Aside from Africa Tiger’s Eye is found in Australia, India, Canada and here in the US. It’s best known color is a layered golden yellow and brown. It can be found in blue and red as well but the red is the result of heat treating. The Chakra association is a little unclear as every research source named a different Chakra. I’ve always found a resonance with the Root and Solar Plexus but some sources also include the Third Eye Chakra. As a member of the Quartz family I guess I understand making that connection. The Quartz family relationship gives Tiger’s Eye a good 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness so it can be shaped and carved fairly easy.
Let’s take a look at the metaphysical qualities Tiger’s Eye has to offer:
- It’s grounding and protective.
- Helps stabilize mood swings.
- It improves your energy level so you can keep going.
- Encourages you to be bolder.
- Strengthens your courage and willpower.
- Give you confidence to believe in yourself.
- Helps raise your self esteem and self worth.
- Helps clear mental blocks so you can focus better.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look at Tiger’s Eye. If the qualities of this stone resonate with you I encourage you to purchase a piece and work with it. Keep in mind I am not a doctor and sharing the healing qualities of this stone or any crystal or mineral is in no way giving medical advice. Working with it can help but if you are ill see your medical practitioner of choice.
Until Next Time…
Blessed Be ❤ Sharon
Element Mind Body Spirit 