Do I Need Tiger’s Eye? Meaning and Healing Properties

Tiger’s eye is a beautiful and mesmerizing gemstone prized for its shimmering golden-brown color and unique chatoyancy. It’s believed to have a number of healing properties, including the ability to promote focus, clarity, and determination, as well as to enhance one’s personal power and self-confidence.  

In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of tiger’s eye, explore its various healing properties, and offer some tips on how to use it in your daily life. 

What is Tigers Eye?  

natural tiger's eye
Natural Tiger’s Eye Sphere. See it here.

Tiger’s eye is a golden-brown gemstone that’s known for its shimmering, chatoyant appearance. It’s a type of quartz that’s formed through the process of crocidolite, a type of asbestos, being replaced by silica. The resulting stone exhibits chatoyancy, or a “cat’s eye” effect, which gives it its distinctive appearance.  

This gemstone is found in a range of colors, including shades of yellow, brown, red, and blue. It’s often used in jewelry, as well as for decorative purposes and in crystal healing practices.  

Tiger’s eye sits at 7.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness with a specific gravity of around 2.65 and a refractive index rating of 1.544 to 1.553. It can range in clarity from being very translucent to completely opaque. 

Do You Need Tiger’s Eye? 

If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or stress, you may want to add Tiger’s Eye to your lapidary collection as it can help alleviate certain emotional issues.  

The decision to wear or use Tiger’s Eye, however, is a personal one, based on individual preferences and beliefs. Some people may choose to wear the gemstone because they find it to be beautiful and attractive, while others may be drawn to it for its supposed healing properties. 

Tigers Eye’s Healing Properties 

natural tiger's eye tower
Natural Tiger’s Eye Tower. See it here.

The chatoyancy present in tigers eye is intrinsic to protection, this stone also has a very powerful and dynamic energy that lends itself to all forms of healing. It can also be a magnet for luck, fortune, and abundance while promoting mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual purity. 

Tiger’s Eye Healing Properties: Physical  

Making an elixir or carrying a piece of tiger’s eye on your person can help with bronchial issues, asthma, headaches, and migraines. It can balance the reproductive system in both men and women, increasing one’s fertility and virility. Some say it can also heal bruises and wounds along with assisting in digestive, colon, and stomach problems.  

This golden stone is also effective at treating eye, throat, and spinal problems. Tigers eye lends strength to a user during difficult times, providing support for survival and maintaining motivation.  

Tiger’s Eye Healing Properties: Mental & Emotional  

On a psychological level, tiger’s eye is effective in mitigating melancholy and depression while promoting concentration. It can ground and stabilize through its protectiveness while also enhancing willpower, integrity, practicality, and self-esteem. It’s also said that the tiger’s eye stone can help with anxiety, mental instability, fear, worry, hysteria, and even attention deficit disorder.  

It helps bring together scattered details, allowing the mind to focus and concentrate on what’s important. This allows a user to dispel confusion while developing a truer picture of any given situation. 

Tiger’s Eye Healing Properties: Spiritual  

Wherever tiger’s eye is present, it highlights willpower backed with audacity and strength while fighting against pervading evil. This is because tigers eye links with earth and sun vibrations, helping with new beginnings and generating calm.  

This stone can also act as a wealth magnet, improving stability, abundance, and prosperity. Additionally, tiger’s eye is excellent for heart work since it brings a sense of well-being and releases blocked creativity. Its halcyon character encourages stability with dynamic beauty, being conducive to meditation and trance-like states. 

Tiger’s Eye: Chakra Balancing 

The heart and solar plexus chakras benefit from the power of tiger’s eye. It boosts, activates, and clears these centers so they operate at a practical and functional level.  

What’s more, clearing these particular energy centers balances the second chakra to promote equilibrium between emotions and sexuality. Such actions translate into practicality and abstinence when necessary but also uninhibited romantic abandon in other instances. 

This means a person can harmonize the masculine and feminine energies within the body to generate a calmer, more serene state. A calm mind equates to better decision-making and reasoning. 

The Tiger’s Eye in Feng Shui 

tiger's eye feng shui tree
Tiger’s Eye Feng Shui Tree. See it here.

In the practice of Feng Shui, tiger’s eye is thought to be a grounding and stabilizing stone that can help to balance the energies of space and promote feelings of calm and centeredness. It’s also believed to enhance intuition and insight and to promote clarity of thought and good decision-making. 

In Feng Shui, tiger’s eye is often used to activate the earth element and to bring prosperity and abundance to a space. It’s believed to be particularly effective in the southeast and southwest areas of a home or office, which are associated with the earth element in the traditional Feng Shui Bagua map. 

Tiger’s eye can be used in a variety of ways in Feng Shui, including placing it in a decorative bowl or on a tabletop, hanging it in a window or on a wall, or wearing it as jewelry. It’s important to note that the principles of Feng Shui are based on traditional Chinese beliefs and are not supported by scientific evidence. If you’re interested in incorporating Feng Shui principles into your home or office, it’s recommended that you consult with a trained practitioner. 

Symbolism of Tiger’s Eye  

Tiger’s eye is a powerful and protective stone associated with several qualities and energies. It’s thought to symbolize the following: 

  • Grounding and stability: This stone is believed to have grounding and stabilizing properties and is often used to help bring a sense of balance and harmony to one’s life. 
  • Personal power and will: Tiger’s eye is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which is related to personal power, will, and determination.  
  • Good luck and prosperity: The stone is often considered a stone of good luck and prosperity, and is used in manifestation practices and as a talisman for attracting abundance. 
  • Clarity and focus: Tiger’s eye also symbolizes clarity and focus, and is thought to help sharpen the mind and improve decision-making skills. 
  • Protection: Tiger’s eye is associated with protection due to its ability to ward off negative energies and to protect against danger. 

How to Use Tiger’s Eye 

1. Wear Tiger’s Eye as Jewelry  

tiger's eye necklace
Tiger’s Eye Chakra Necklace. See it here.

Tiger’s eye is often used in jewelry, particularly in rings, pendants, and bracelets. It’s believed to have various metaphysical properties, including the ability to increase confidence and courage and to bring good luck and prosperity. Tiger’s eye is also known for its durability, making it a good choice for everyday wear. It’s often paired with other gemstones, such as diamonds or pearls, to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry. 

2. Carry Tiger’s Eye in Your Pocket 

tiger's eye turtle figurine
Tiger’s Eye Turtle Hand Carved Figurine. See it here.

Carrying tiger’s eye in your pocket is believed to have several benefits, both physical and emotional. Some people believe that carrying tiger’s eye can help to increase confidence, courage, and determination, as well as bring good luck and prosperity.  

This is also thought to have physical benefits, such as helping to improve vision and increasing metabolism. Therefore, some people carry tiger’s eye as a talisman or good luck charm, while others use it as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth. 

3. Use Tiger’s Eye as a Decoration 

tiger's eye stone ashtray
Tiger’s Eye Stone Ashtray. See it here.

Tiger’s eye can be used as a decorative element in your home or office. While it’s often used in jewelry, it can also be incorporated into other decorative items, such as figurines or decorative bowls. Some people enjoy the natural beauty of the stone and choose to display it in their homes as a decorative element. 

Keep in mind that tiger’s eye is a natural stone, and as such, it may be sensitive to certain environmental conditions. If you’re using it as a decorative element, it’s important to protect it from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can cause the stone to fade or change color over time.  

It’s also important to handle the stone with care, as it can be brittle and may break or chip if it’s dropped or subjected to rough treatment. 

4. Use Tiger’s Eye for Cleansing  

Tiger’s Eye Hand Carved Energy Pendant
Tiger’s Eye Hand-Carved Energy Pendant. See it here.

Tiger’s eye is used in crystal healing practices, and some believe it can cleanse and purify the energy of a space. If you’re interested in using tiger’s eye for this purpose, there are a few different ways you can incorporate it into your practice.  

For example, you can place a piece of tiger’s eye in a central location in your home or office. The stone is believed to radiate a positive energy that can help to purify and cleanse the surrounding space. 

You can also try using tiger’s eye in a crystal grid. A crystal grid is a geometric arrangement of crystals that is believed to amplify the energy of the stones and direct it toward a specific intention. To create a grid using tiger’s eye, you will need several small pieces of the stone, as well as a center stone or crystal. 

Another way you can use tiger’s eye for crystal healing is by carrying a piece of it with you. Some people believe that this can help to cleanse and purify their own personal energy field. 

How to Clean and Care for Tiger’s Eye  

To clean a tiger’s eye stone, you will need a soft, lint-free cloth, warm water, and mild soap. Here are the steps to follow: 

  1. Start by wiping the stone with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface. 
  1. Next, mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water and dip the cloth into the solution. 
  1. Gently scrub the stone with the soapy cloth, paying extra attention to any crevices or areas that may have accumulated dirt or grime. 
  1. Rinse the stone thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. 
  1. Dry the stone with a clean, soft cloth, being careful not to rub too hard as this could potentially damage the surface of the stone. 

It’s generally not recommended to use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean tiger’s eye, as they can potentially damage the surface of the stone. If your tiger’s eye stone is particularly dirty or has accumulated a lot of grime, you may need to repeat these steps a few times to clean it fully.  

To care for a tiger’s eye stone, it’s important to handle it gently and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or harsh chemicals. It’s also a good idea to store the stone in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent it from getting scratched or damaged. Avoid exposing the stone to prolonged sunlight, as this can fade the color over time.  

You should also avoid wearing your tiger’s eyepiece while engaging in activities that may cause it to be subjected to rough treatment, such as sports or heavy manual labor. By following these simple care instructions, you can help your tiger’s eye stone retain its natural beauty and shine for many years to come. Avoid storing it next to TVs, radios, smart devices, or Wi-Fi routers, as the energy emitted from these will disturb its healing properties. 

What Gemstones Pair Well with Tiger’s Eye? 

There are a few different gemstones that are often paired with tiger’s eye in jewelry and other decorative items. Some suggestions for gemstones that pair well with this crystal include the following:  

1. Citrine 

citrine orgone pyramid
Citrine Crystal Orgone Pyramid. See it here.

Citrine is a yellow-orange gemstone believed to be a powerful manifestation tool, helping to attract abundance and prosperity. When combined, citrine and tiger’s eye are believed to create a harmonious energy that promotes abundance and clarity.  

Some people wear this combination of gemstones as a form of jewelry or display them in their homes or office as decorative elements. 

2. Amethyst 

Amethyst and Tiger’s Eye Crystal Bead Bracelet
Amethyst and Tiger’s Eye Crystal Bead Bracelet. See it here.  

Amethyst is a purple gemstone that is believed to have calming and spiritual properties. It can be paired with tiger’s eye to add soothing energy to a piece of jewelry or decorative item. 

3. Jasper 

natural tiger's eye jasper unicorn
Natural Tiger’s Eye Jasper Unicorn. See it here.

Jasper comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It’s believed to have grounding and stabilizing energy, and it can be paired with tiger’s eye to add a sense of stability and balance to a piece. 

4. Hematite 

tiger's eye and hematite anklet for men
Hematite and Tiger’s Eye Anklet for Men. See it here.

Hematite is a metallic gray gemstone that’s believed to have grounding and calming properties. Like jasper, when paired with tiger’s eye, it can add a sense of grounding and stability to a piece of jewelry or decorative item. 

Where to Find Tiger’s Eye 

Tiger’s Eye Gemstone Dice Set
Tiger’s Eye Gemstone Dice Set. See it here.

Tiger’s eye is found in a number of locations around the world, including South Africa, Australia, India, and the United States. The majority of tiger’s eye on the market today comes from South Africa, which is known for producing high-quality stones with a rich golden-brown color.  

This gemstone is also found in smaller deposits in other countries, including Australia, India, and the United States. It’s generally found in areas where crocidolite, a type of asbestos, is present, as this mineral is involved in the formation of the stone. 

The Colors of Tiger’s Eye 

tiger's eye snake
Tiger’s Eye Snake. See it here. 

The meaning and symbolism of the tiger’s eye stone can change according to its color.  

  • Red (Success & Wealth): increases courage, motivation, positive money flow, and fortune while reducing apathy, depression, and poor self-esteem. 
  • Blue (Stress Relief): also called, “hawk’s eye,” it helps with anxiety, fear, worry, anger, panic, and stress. 
  • Green (Strengthening): another form of hawk’s eye, this protects against curses and financial windfalls while attracting wealth, success, and achievement. It provides confidence, self-esteem, and support during astral travel. It keeps negative thoughts away while clearing depression and shyness. 

Tiger’s eye is characterized by its yellow, gold, and brown bands that resemble the eye of a tiger. These bands are caused by the presence of iron oxide minerals, which give tiger’s eye its distinctive color. Tiger’s eye is formed when quartz is replaced by fibrous crocidolite, a type of asbestos.  

The iron oxide minerals are present in the crocidolite and are responsible for the yellow and brown bands in the stone. The chatoyancy, or the “cat’s eye” effect, that’s characteristic of tiger’s eye is caused by the reflection of light off the parallel fibers in the stone. 

Tiger’s Eye: Chatoyancy 

natural blue tiger's eye bracelet
Natural Blue Tiger’s Eye Bracelet. See it here.

Chatoyancy, also known as “cat’s eye effect,” is a phenomenon that occurs in certain gemstones when light is reflected off of their surface in a particular way. It gives the stone a shimmering, changing appearance that seems to move or “slither” across the surface of the gemstone as it is viewed from different angles.  

Chatoyancy is most commonly associated with tiger’s eye and other chatoyant gemstones such as cat’s eye chrysoberyl, chatoyant sapphire, and chatoyant quartz. The term “chatoyant” comes from the French word “oeil de chat,” which means “cat’s eye.” 

Tiger’s Eye: Pseudomorphism 

vintage tiger's eye ring
Vintage Tiger’s Eye Ring. See it here.

Another interesting thing about this crystal is that it doesn’t begin as quartz, but rather as crocidolite which comprises iron and sodium. Over time, the crocidolite transfers into quartz via silica, which forms a parallel fiber structure preserved within the stone.  

This makes tigers eye a pseudomorph, which comes from ancient Greek for “false form.” This is when a mineral replaces another during development. In terms of tiger’s eye, the quartz embeds between the crocidolite fibers.  

These initial formation theories came from Wilbel, a German mineralogist, in 1873. However, modern theories propose that tiger’s eye isn’t a pseudomorph at all, but rather an activity by crocidolite via a sequence of sealing and cracking. Part of the discrepancy here is that no one has actually ever observed how tigers eye forms over time. 

History & Lore of Tiger’s Eye  

tiger's eye horse pendant
Tiger’s Eye Horse Pendant. See it here.

Throughout history, tiger’s eye has been associated with a variety of cultural and spiritual traditions. It’s believed to have been used as a talisman for protection and good luck in ancient Egypt and Rome, and it has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In more recent times, tiger’s eye has been popular in jewelry and as a decorative stone. 

Tiger’s Eye in Ancient Egypt 

In ancient Egypt, tiger’s eye was believed to be a powerful talisman that offered protection and good luck. It was often worn as a bead or incorporated into jewelry and other decorative items. Tiger’s eye was also believed to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments, including eye disorders and digestive issues. 

The ancient Egyptians believed that tiger’s eye had the ability to protect the wearer from the “evil eye,” which was thought to be a curse or negative energy that could be inflicted upon someone through jealousy or envy. Tiger’s eye was also associated with the sun god Ra and was thought to bring warmth, vitality, and prosperity to the wearer.  

In addition to its spiritual and medicinal uses, tiger’s eye was also prized for its beauty and was used to decorate a variety of objects, including sculptures, amulets, and other decorative items. It continues to be used in jewelry and decorative objects to this day. 

Tiger’s Eye in Ancient Rome 

Tiger’s eye was also highly valued in ancient Rome for its beauty and believed spiritual properties. It was often worn as a bead or incorporated into jewelry and other decorative objects. Tiger’s eye was believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer, and it was also thought to have medicinal properties. 

In ancient Rome, tiger’s eye was associated with the goddess Fortuna, who was the goddess of fortune and luck. It was thought to bring prosperity, success, and good fortune to the wearer. It was also believed to have the ability to protect against the “evil eye” and to promote clarity of thought and insight. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Tiger’s Eye  

1. What does Tiger’s Eye signify? 

Tiger’s eye is a gemstone that is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection to the wearer. It’s also thought to enhance intuition and insight, promote clarity of thought, and improve focus and concentration.  

2. What signs should not wear Tiger’s Eye? 

It’s believed that the zodiac signs Taurus, Capricorn, Libra, and Aquarius should not wear the tiger’s eye stone.  

3. Is Tiger’s Eye toxic to wear? 

No, tiger’s eye is completely safe to wear.  

4. Can you get Tiger’s Eye wet? 

Tiger’s eye is not considered safe to use in water as it contains traces of certain minerals as well as rock salt that isn’t water-soluble.  

5. How can you tell if Tiger’s Eye is real? 

A real tiger’s eye should be a golden or brownish-yellow color, with a characteristic shimmer or chatoyancy effect. It should also have visible fibrous bands running through the stone, which are caused by the parallel fibers of crocidolite that have been replaced by silica and should be fairly resistant to scratching. 

6. Is Tiger’s eye a birthstone? 

Officially, tiger’s eye is a birthstone for June babies.

7. Is Tiger’s eye associated with a zodiac sign? 

Tiger’s eye is associated with the Capricorn sign. However, some claim that it’s also appropriate for Taurus, Cancer, and Gemini. 

Wrapping Up 

The tiger’s eye stone is a beautiful and unique gemstone that’s a wonderful addition to any stone collection. Its golden or brownish-yellow color and shimmering chatoyancy effect make it visually striking, and its believed spiritual properties make it a powerful and meaningful addition to your collection.  

Whether you are drawn to its believed ability to bring good luck and prosperity, or you simply appreciate its beauty, tiger’s eye is a gemstone that’s worth considering.  

Affiliate Disclosures

Dani Rhys
Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.