Tiger’s eye (also called Tigers eye or Tiger eye) is an unusual quartz rock that forms when silica replaces a fibrous form of blue asbestos (crocidolite). Rocks that form under this replacement process are called pseudomorphs. It comes in various colors, but is naturally golden in color. Red tigers eye stones are manipulated with heat treatment. Darker tigers eye has been altered using nitric acid.
Here is a picture of natural, untreated, unpolished tigers eye.
Tigers eye is especially known for its chatoyancy. Chatoyant minerals are comprised of tubes or fibers that form in a perpendicular arrangement. When light hits these rocks, a luminous streak of light is reflected perpendicular to the direction of the fibers, imitating the look of a feline’s eye.
Notable sources of tiger’s eye include Australia, Burma, India, Namibia, South Africa, United States, Brazil, Canada, China, Korea, and Spain.
Tigers eye is thought to be one of the most protective stones. It can also promote balance, clear emotions, promote a positive attitude, and encourage calmness and peaceful disposition.
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