Tiger's Eye Meaning: The Stone of Courage and Focus

Hand holding a stack of polished tiger eye bead bracelets

Tiger's eye is a golden-brown gemstone from the quartz family with a band of light that moves across the surface as you turn it, like the eye of a cat or a tiger. In crystal lore it is the stone of courage and steady focus, and it has long been worn as a protective charm. In bead bracelets it is one of the most popular stones for men and women alike.

Where the shimmer comes from

Tiger's eye forms when quartz replaces fine mineral fibers inside the rock. The fibers leave their shape behind, and light catches on them in a silky band. Gemologists call this effect chatoyancy, from the French word for cat. It shows best on a rounded bead or cabochon, which is why tiger's eye is so often cut into beads.

The classic color runs from honey gold to chocolate brown. Blue tiger's eye, also sold as hawk's eye, is the same kind of stone in blue-gray. Red tiger's eye has deeper red-brown tones.

What tiger's eye stands for

People choose tiger's eye for:

  • Courage and confidence, for an interview, a new job or a hard conversation.
  • Focus, keeping the mind on one thing at a time.
  • Protection, as a charm against ill will, in the same spirit as a red string bracelet.

These meanings come from tradition and personal practice. A tiger's eye bracelet is a reminder you can wear, not a substitute for medical care.

Tiger's eye with other stones

Tiger's eye is often strung with black stones such as obsidian, onyx or lava rock. In feng shui bracelets it may carry a Pixiu charm for prosperity, and it is a common bead in 108-bead malas. Read more about black obsidian.

Caring for tiger's eye

Tiger's eye is about as hard as quartz, so it stands up well to daily wear. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Take a stretch bracelet off before showering or swimming so the elastic lasts longer.

Tiger's eye at Buddha.store

See more in our bracelets collection.

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