By Chisom Ibemere
Tiger’s eye or Tiger eye is a member of quartz group and a chatoyant gemstone. It occurs as a metamorphic rock with a golden to red-brown colour and a silky lustre. It has been prized for its distinctive appearance since ancient times.
Tiger eye originated in South Africa, but is now found in many parts of the world such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico, and the United States. Roman soldiers wore tiger’s eye for protection during the war.
Tiger’s eye is a type of quartz that is formed in nature when crocidolite fibres are replaced with silica. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks, such as schist and gneiss. It is used as a gemstone in jewellery, but it also other applications.
Tiger eye may be used for decorative purposes, such as in home decor and knickknacks. They are used in the manufacturing of cutting tools, such as knives and blades, due to its hardness.
Tiger eye has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable. Tiger’s eye is majorly brown in colour, but can also be found in shades of red, yellow, and blue-gray. It has a silky lustre and is often cut into cabochons or beads.
The value of tiger’s eye varies depending on its size, colour, and quality. Larger, high-quality stones can be valued at several hundred dollars per carat. It has both cultural and spiritual significance, and is believed to promote wisdom, courage, and good luck.