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 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 appearance 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 breath 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.
The Meaning and Properties of Tigers Eye
What is Tigers Eye good for? Spiritually, the meaning of Tigers Eye is certainty of self, which is why it is associated with confidence, protection from evil eyes, and drawing in abundance. Bridging from the Root Chakra to the Solar Plexus Chakra, Tigers Eye crystal is a true No Drama stone, often used by those who need help shielding against the negative energies, intentions, and influences of others. When we are aware of our own strengths and don't allow naysayers to undermine our efforts, we are better equipped to turn our goals into reality. This is the essential energy of Tigers Eye, so it's no surprise that this crystal is used in manifestation efforts as well as for spiritual protection.
How to Cleanse Tigers Eye
We always advise the use of a Selenite tile or bowl, or Full Moonlight, for charging and cleansing crystals since these methods are not harmful for any gems. Smoke Cleansing with Sage, Incense, or dried herbs is safe for your Tiger Eye crystal, as is cleansing via the Dry Salt Bath method. Since Tigers Eye is a gemstone comprised of Quartz and a variety of Amphibole minerals, the Mohs hardness of this gem can vary depending on the rate of encapsulation, ranging from approximately 5 to 7. Tiger Eye can go in water for light dips and washing with a wet cloth is safe for this stone as long as it is promptly dried, but as with many gems, we tend to advise against long-term submersion.