Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye is the Planetary stone for Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20) and the accepted gem for the ninth wedding anniversary.

Tiger's Eye (tigers eye, tiger eye, tiger iron) is a member of the quartz group.  It is one of the chatoyant gemstones.  Chatoyancy exhibits a changeable silky lustre as light is reflected within the thin parallel fibrous bands.  This effect is due to the fibrous structure of the material.

Tiger iron is composed of Tiger's Eye, red jasper and black hematite.  The rippled wavy bands of colour often resemble a scenic view.

This exceptional looking piece of tiger's iron rough from Australia looks like the evening sun setting behind a mountain range.   It has a greenish cast with shades of brown, golden yellow, and reds.  This type of Tiger's Eye is only found in one region of Australia, thus the name.   Because the minerals in this stone are of varying hardness, it is difficult to polish without under cutting.

Tiger's Eye is mined in Western Australia, South Africa, USA, Canada, India, Namibia, and Burma.

Legend and Healing Properties

Many legends about quartz say that wearing Tiger's Eye (which is a form of quartz) is beneficial for health and spiritual well being.  Legend also says it is a psychic protector, great for business, and an aid to achieving clarity.  Tiger's Eye is popular in men's jewellery.