| Tiger eye is an attractive gemstone that is commonly | | | | 2.67. It is primarily mined in South Africa and Western |
| used in fashion jewlery such as sterling silver pendants, | | | | Australia. |
| silver earrings, and silver bracelets. It is usually yellowish | | | | Tiger iron is sometimes considered to be a "distant |
| brown or reddish brown, and when polished, has a silky | | | | cousin" of this gemstone. It is in fact, an altered rock |
| texture. It is this silky or shimmering texture that many | | | | primarily consisting of tiger eye, red jasper, and black |
| jewelry designers and wearers find so attractive and | | | | hematite. Specimens from the Mount Brockman area |
| endearing. It is now widely used in fashion jewelry | | | | in Australia are renowned for their varied colors and |
| because of it color, appearance, and texture. Of | | | | "scenic" patterns, and are called "Marra Mamba". |
| course, the relatively low cost of the stone plays an | | | | Over-exploitation of this resource in Australia however, |
| important role in this application! Fashion jewelry | | | | has virtually dried up this source. |
| incorporating this gemstone is quite popular with | | | | Like most gemstones, there are a myriad of folklore, |
| teenagers and young adults today. | | | | legends, and myths associated with tiger eye. It is |
| This gemstone is a member of the quartz group, | | | | supposed to protect the physical and mental well-being |
| where a fraction of the quartz has been replaced by | | | | of the wearer. It is also believed to improve business, |
| a form of asbestos. The stones are sometimes gently | | | | and provide clarity of thought. Roman soldiers wore |
| heat-treated in order to change their color to a reddish | | | | this stone for protection in battle. It is the anniversary |
| shade. Artificial tiger eye is sometimes created from | | | | stone for the 9th year of marriage. Although it is quite |
| fiber optic glass. This is a relatively inexpensive stone, | | | | hard and durable, the stone should be protected from |
| and a 1-in polished specimen would cost you around | | | | scratches and sharp blows or impacts. Prolonged |
| US$2. Being a member of the quartz family, its | | | | exposure to heat may lead to a gradual change in |
| properties are similar to those of quartz, with a | | | | color, changing slowly from the yellow-brown-black of |
| hardness of around 7 and a specific gravity of about | | | | natural tiger eye, to more reddish hues. |