Tiger Eye Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Facts and History
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is a metamorphic rock belonging to the quartz family of gemstones. The gemstone’s most distinctive and desirable feature is its chatoyancy or cat’s eye effect.
It is primarily composed of silicon dioxide, plus iron dioxide which gives the stone’s signature colors of reddish-browns and golden yellows. Tiger Eye Gemstones have silky luster, stripe patterns, and a distinctive chatoyancy effect.
Chatoyancy, also known as a cat’s eye effect, is an optical effect seen in gemstones where a visible band of light moves across the stone’s surface, resembling a cat’s eye.
Chatoyancy occurs when gemstones are formed with parallel fibrous inclusions within its structure causing reflected lights that look like bands of light on the stone’s surface.
Within the Tiger Eye Gemstones are parallel fibrous inclusions composed of crocidolite, a form of blue asbestos, and other mineral fibers. These fibrous inclusions pseudomorph into other minerals like quartz, creating a parallel band that displays the chatoyancy effect.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone’s striking appearance made it a desirable stone over the centuries, with many cultures attributing powerful symbols and properties such as protection, bravery, and success to the stone.
Archeological evidence shows ancient Egyptians using Tiger Eyes for their statues. Ancient Greeks and Romans also favored Tiger Eye Gemstone trinkets on the battlefield for their protective properties.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone’s reputation as a protective stone continued throughout the Middle Ages. In the Victorian era, the stone’s striking appearance made it popular as jewelry and accessories for men.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is still one of the most recognizable gemstones today. It is one of the best gems to work with for jewelers and a must-have for gem collectors.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone scored 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it harder than steel and industrial glass.
The striking gemstone earned its name for resembling the color patterns of the majestic and powerful tiger. The intense eyes of the tigers during a hunt are also said to resemble the Tiger Eye Gemstone when its chatoyancy is in full effect.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone has deposits all over the world. Major sources can be found in India, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, and the USA.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Uses
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is a popular gem used in jewels for both men and women because of its striking patterns, colors, and chatoyancy effect. In fact, the gemstone’s hardness and durability make it an ideal stone for jewelries of everyday use.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is also used for clothing accessories like belt buckles, cufflinks, buttons, keychains, and more.
It is also used for decorative objects in the home. The Tiger Eye Gemstones can be carved by artisans into paperweights, doorknobs, sculptures, bowls, and more.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is also incredibly popular amongst crystal collectors and enthusiasts.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is largely seen as a symbol of protection. Throughout the centuries and in many cultures, the stone has been regarded to be a provider of protection, courage, and strength.
The striking stripes and color contrast of the Tiger Eye Gemstone gave it the association with the tiger, widely regarded as the king of the jungle. This earned it the symbolism of inner strength and courage, especially when facing adversities in life.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone has an affinity to the root chakra. Their connection will activate the Root chakra’s ability to provide feelings of security and safety in the world.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Tiger Iron is a popular variety of Tiger Eye Gemstones with striking contrasting bands composed of Tiger Eye, red jasper, and black hematite. It represents courage, harmony, and resilience.
Red Tiger Eye, also known as Ox’s Eye or Bull’s Eye, is a variety of Tiger Eye Gemstone with a reddish or mahogany color caused by extreme heat. This gemstone represents vitality, stability, and enhanced grounding abilities.
Blue Tiger Eye, also known as hawk’s eye or falcon’s eye, is a rare variety of Tiger Eye Gemstone with blue bands and a blueish-gray base from the presence of iron minerals. It symbolizes insight, calmness, and spiritual growth.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Ancient Egyptians love to make jewelry out of Tiger Eye Gemstones and fashion them as eyes for their statues, notably for the sun god, Ra, and the god of good harvest, Geb. They believed the gem brings divine vision, good fortune, and protection, even in the afterlife.
The ancient Greeks and Roman soldiers carried Tiger Eye Gemstones on their armor or weapons as a symbol of protection during battles. They believed the gemstone would deflect weapons and give them strength and courage.
Even in the Middle Ages, the Tiger Eye Gemstone is highly associated with courage and protection against evil spirits.
In Eastern cultures, the Tiger Eye Gemstone is believed to ward off the evil eye and bad luck.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Onyx gemstone is a powerful grounding stone. When combined with the Tiger Eye Gemstone, the pairing will enhance courage, especially during difficult times in life.
Amber gemstones are great stones to enhance self-awareness and connection with the environment. When combined with Tiger Eye Gemstone, good fortune and protection will significantly increase.
Lapis lazuli gemstone is also a stone of protection. A combination with Tiger Eye Gemstone will bring out courage and feelings of security.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Tiger Eye Gemstone has an affinity for people born under the zodiac sign Gemini. The gemstone helps balance the Gemini’s contrasting nature, enhance their creativity, and help them with making decisions.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone in Dreams
It is generally believed that dreaming of a Tiger Eye Gemstone indicates treachery is approaching.
The Tiger Eye Gemstone is also used as a talisman to ward off nightmares and can enhance dream recall.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Other than being used as a talisman for protection, the Tiger Eye Gemstone is superstitiously believed to be able to grant the ability to see far and through objects.
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Tiger Eye Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
In Eastern mythology, the Tiger Eye Gemstone is linked with the powerful mystical tiger, often called the king of the beasts. Chinese astrology depicts tigers as kings of the jungle and attributes Tiger Eye Gemstones to their power.
