By :
David Cowley
Typically the Tiger Eye gemstone has rich yellow and golden brown strips. The yellow and brown strips resemble the striped eye of a tiger, hence the name. When polished the gemstone will have a very silky texture and is widely used in pendants, earrings and bracelets which is quite popular with teenagers and young adults.
The Tiger Eye is a quartz composite gemstone with a hardness of 7. This gemstone is created when crocidolite (asbestos) is replaced with iron and sodium similar to the process that creates petrified wood. During the process the crocidolite or asbestos is completely dissolved and the gemstone takes the fibrous formation and the some of the coloration of the crocidolite. This process creates the parallel lines giving the shifting play of light and movement.
The amount of hydrated oxide of iron will cause different colors and mixes of colors. A gemstone with a predominately golden brown collation with varying amounts of red, green or blue is called a Tiger Eye. Gray and greenish is called a Cats Eye, blue gray is known as Hawks Eye and a gemstone that is predominately reddish brown or mahogany is known as Bulls Eye or Ox Eye.
Cutting and sawing this gemstone is very tricky. Because the fibrous formation are usually twisted and seldom grows straight the cut must be exactly parallel to the formation. If the stone is not cut correctly you will end up with a lifeless hunk of rock. Research has shown the any dust produced while cutting a stone can be hazardous to your health so always take adequate precautions and avoid breathing any of the stone dust.
The best quality of the Tiger Eye gemstone comes from South Africa and Australia. Dr. Carol de Wet, the Minister of Mines for the Republic of South Africa put an embargo on the exportation of all uncut Tiger Eye gemstones. His intent was to create a monopoly on Tiger Eye gem products, finished and unfinished. Today it is very hard to find a piece of the rough gemstone.
This gemstone has been found in the Cuyuna Iron Range of Minnesota, however most of fibers are randomly oriented thus making this gemstone of a poor quality. Tiger Eye has also been found in Iowa Hill in Placer County, California and near the asbestos mines in Globe Arizona.
The Tiger Eye is said to have mystical powers. It is used for focusing the mine and to strengthen convictions and confidence and to facilitate commerce. It is said to protect the wearer during travel, lower high blood pressure and increase strength. Roman army solders were said to have worn this stone for protection in battle. It is also the anniversary stone for the 9th year of marriage.
This gemstone is thought to be ruled by the life-giving sun and is thought to be able to bring courage during dark times in a person’s life. It is often mentioned as bringing luck and wealth, and so not only is it used for these sorts of purposes, but as well it is stunning and looks great in jewelry.
The Tiger Eye stone is perfect for all occasions, and when you get it strung on a sterling silver necklace or with a stone like ruby, it looks positively beautiful. When it comes to the care of this jewelry, more than anything you want to make sure that you protect it from scratches and sharp blows as best you can. Also avoid large temperature changes when possible, and purchasing a book on this would be the best idea so that you can turn to it when necessary.
Happy Treasure Hunting.
Author Resource:-
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit http://www.treasure-hunting-team.com
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