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The first detailed description of the mineral "tiger's eye" is by Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1743-1817). In his notes entitled "Chemical Investigation of Fibrous Quartz from the Cape of Good Hope," this German chemist and mineralogist presented in 1811 a chemical analysis and determination of the properties of the "Cape fossil." At that time, the term fossil referred to all fossil materials, both minerals and plant parts in the sense of fossils.
The name tiger's eye appeared only later, and has reference to the special optical effect presented especially by polished stones. This optical effect consists in the appearance of a narrow streak of light on the surface of the stone, resembling the pupil of a cat's eye. It is exhibited by many minerals containing various inclusions and forming fibrous aggregates. The light reflects and scatters on parallel fibers or needle-like inclusions.
Tiger's eye is a common mineral. Its deposits are found in many parts of the world, with the most important finds known in Australia, Canada, South Africa, China, India, Ukraine and the US. With its unusual, intense color, the stone resembles a sunset.
Properties of tiger's eye
Tiger's eye is a quartz with the chemical formula SiO2, actually a fine-fibered variety of it. It crystallizes in a trigonal arrangement, without forming transparent crystals like rock crystal, amethyst or citrine. Rather, the mineral occurs as a coarse aggregate.
On the Mohs scale, tiger's eye shows a hardness of 6.5 to 7, and has a density of 2.64 to 2.71 g/cm3.
Color of tiger's eye
Martin Heinrich Klaproth described the color of tiger's eye in 1811 as "light brown with variable shades." In addition to the characteristic optical effect of a cat's pupil, the most distinctive feature of this stone is its banded, golden yellow, amber to golden brown color, with the quartz variety's coloring compound being iron oxide.
Sometimes red tiger eyes with a tinge of copper color are offered in the trade. However, these red stones are not any variety of tiger's eye, but only the result of a color change due to heating. That is, careful annealing turns the original golden brown color into copper-red. If the mineral is additionally immersed in alcohol, the color will change even more and the tiger's eye will be purple.
When boiled in an acidic solution, tiger's eye loses its golden brown color and becomes gray. In this state it is offered on the market as quartz cat's eye. Tiger's eye is opaque and its breakthrough is shell-like and fibrous, while its luster is glassy or silky.
Significance and uses of tiger's eye
The mineral is used primarily for making jewelry and ornaments. The cabochon (smooth) cut in particular is used here, which emphasizes the color and optical effect. In addition, tiger's eye is sold as a healing stone. In ancient times, this stone was used as protection against the "evil eye." In ancient Egypt, sacred figurines were made from the mineral, representing divine power. Such a figurine served as a talisman and was supposed to give the owner the ability to see everything, including what happens behind closed doors.
The healing stone should not be worn on the body for more than four weeks; it could interfere with the flow of energy. When using tiger's eye during meditation, choose only the uncolored variety. Stones that are either colored or chemically treated do not exhibit the power of the original mineral to its full extent.
For the preparation of water with healing effects from the gemstone, this mineral is not suitable, as it contains harmful components.
Tiger's eye is considered one of the most important and widely used healing stones. This stone is said to give courage and optimism. It protects the person who wears it and provides security. It is a mineral that improves eyesight and sharpens vision both literally and figuratively. In addition, tiger's eye has a beneficial effect on joint, back and rheumatic pains, it also heals bruises and sprains. To alleviate the ailment, one should carry the stone with one's body and place it next to one's body during meditation.
Tiger's eye has a positive effect on the mind and helps to choose the right path in case of ambiguity or doubt. This particular variety of quartz brings order to chaos. It allows you to return to a state of balance and harmony, protects you from stress, overload and work fatigue. It strengthens the ability to concentrate, sharpens the mind and helps regain a healthy self-confidence. Wearing tiger eye makes a person more optimistic and confident.
Tiger eye and zodiac signs
Tiger's eye is an important main mineral for the zodiac sign Virgo. The gemstone helps people under this sign to make decisions independently and break outdated patterns. Tiger's eye is also an important secondary stone for the zodiac signs of Twins and Leo. It enhances the mental prowess of the Twins, while the Leo helps to recognize weaknesses, work on them, and provides greater mental flexibility.
World's largest tiger eye
The largest tiger eye known to date is two meters long and weighs 150 kg. The stone can be seen at the Mineralogical Museum of the University of Bonn.
