What is Red Tigers Eye? Is Red Tiger Eye Natural?
Red Tigers Eye, also known as Ox Eye stone, is a variety of Tigers Eye that exhibits a rusty red shade due to the presence of Hematite within the Quartz, caused by natural heat within the Earth converting the Limonite present in the stone. This is how natural Red Tiger Eye comes to be, and is the reason why it can sometimes be found alongside Golden Tiger Eye on some specimens. Of course, since this change occurs due to heat, there are many pieces of Red Tiger Eye in the world that arrived at their gorgeous shine through heat treating. At Crystal Gemstone Shop, we will always make it clear in every listing whether a specific piece of Red Tigers Eye is natural or if we suspect it was heat treated before it came to us, so that you can make informed decisions about your crystals!
Is Tigers Eye Dangerous?
The short answer is that No, Tigers Eye is not dangerous, particularly after it has already been polished. This question comes up often, because the beautiful natural shine of the Golden Tigers Eye stone comes from strand-like growths of Crocidolite (a fibrous form of Riebeckite) and Limonite within Quartz crystal. The presence of these minute Amphibole fibers, in addition to their positioning, is integral to the chatoyancy of Tiger Eye, but because these mineral inclusions are asbestiform (meaning that they have a highly fibrous growth structure) people often ask if Tigers Eye is a health risk. Happily, your Tigers Eye stone cannot harm you as long as you are not grinding the stone up to breathe it in or eat it! Since the asbestiform mineral inclusions within Tigers Eye are encapsulated in Quartz, they don't pose a concern when they are carried, worn, or fidgeted with. If you are undertaking a carving project or re-polishing your Tigers Eye stone, you will want to take proper respiratory precautions, but this is true of carving any gemstones, as mineral dust should never be inhaled no matter what material it is.
Red Tiger Eye Meaning and Metaphysical Properties
Red Tigers Eye, also known as Ox Eye stone or Bull Eye stone, is a gem associated with the Root Chakra and Sacral Chakra, with a deep reservoir of sensual energy to share. Known as a crystal for self confidence, passion, desire, and motivation, Red Tigers Eye encourages us to go after what we want, express our needs and curiosities, and enjoy the earthy pleasures of life. It is considered a highly beneficial crystal to keep in the bedroom, as Red Tigers Eye is thought to heighten sexual magnetism and deepen the bonds of intimacy between lovers. Red Tigers Eye jewelry is often worn by those looking to strengthen their positive self image, self confidence, and charisma, as well.
