Tiger’s Eye

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

Tiger's eye (tiger’s eye, tiger eye, tiger iron) is actually a member of the quartz group. It is one of the most chatoyant gemstones. Chiromancy exhibits a changeable silky luster 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 also black hematite. The rippled wavy bands of color often resemble a scenic view.

This is exceptional looking piece of tiger's iron rough from Australia looks like the evening sun setting behind the mountain range. It has a greenish cast with shades of brown, golden yellow, and sometime also reds. This type of tiger's eye is only found in one region of Australia, thus its 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 also in Burma.

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