Tiger's eye is a golden-brown chatoyant quartz, hard (7 on the Mohs scale) and affordable — ideal for a daily bracelet. Crystal tradition links it to protection, grounding and self-confidence. Here's what the stone really is, what tradition says (and its limits), and how to choose it.
Tiger's eye is a variety of quartz (silicon dioxide) whose silky, shifting shimmer — "chatoyancy" — comes from fine fibres replaced by silica. Its high hardness (7 on the Mohs scale) makes it scratch-resistant and perfect for everyday jewellery. Shades range from golden brown to red-brown (bull's eye) or grey-blue (hawk's eye).
In crystal tradition, tiger's eye is the stone of protection and grounding: it is said to "deflect" negative energies and strengthen confidence and focus. These virtues are beliefs and traditions: they are not scientifically demonstrated and replace no medical advice (see sources).
Thanks to its hardness, tiger's eye suits any use, including a daily bracelet (see our natural stone bracelet guide). When buying, check the chatoyancy is even and beware dyed stones with an overly uniform colour. It's an inexpensive stone: a high price isn't justified.
Clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Tiger's eye tolerates water well, but avoid chemicals and prolonged sun exposure. Replace elastic stringing every 1–2 years.
Tradition attributes protection, grounding and self-confidence to it. These virtues are beliefs, with no scientifically demonstrated effect, and replace no medical advice.
Yes: with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it's one of the most durable stones for a daily bracelet. Just avoid chemicals and prolonged sun.
The chatoyancy should be sharp and move with the light. An overly vivid, uniform colour may signal dyeing. It's an affordable stone, so a high price isn't justified.
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