Gemstones are known for their remarkable beauty and rarity. Examples include diamond, emerald, pearl, amethyst, quartz, rose quartz, garnet, agate, ruby, tourmaline, jade, onyx, opal, topaz, turquoise, kyanite, jasper, peridot, sardonyx and many others. Some of them are extremely rare, with desirable qualities which make them very expensive compared to others. They include precious stones such as diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire. Other types of gemstones which do not fall into that category are typically called semi-precious stones.
HOW ARE GEMSTONES FORMED?
Due to the fact that there are many different types of gemstones in the world, the methods by many of them are formed tend to differ. The most common ways by which gemstones are formed include the following:
- Sedimentary process
Some gemstones are formed when water comes in contact with certain chemical elements or minerals upon the earth’s surface. This mixture of mineral and water subsequently seeps into crevices and cracks in the earth’s crust, resulting to the deposition of those minerals. Examples of gemstones which are formed by this method include azurite, chrysocolla, malachite, quartz and opal among others.
- Hydrothermal process
Gemstones that are formed by this method in nature are usually formed when mineral water in supersaturated state forces its way into cracks inside the earth. This process (hydrothermal synthesis) is usually used to grow some gemstones synthetically in laboratories e.g. emeralds, alexandrite, quartz and rubies.
- Igneous process
Gemstones like diamonds and peridots are formed by the process of igneous formation, which occurs when rocks deep in the earth’s mantle are brought up to the surface, or closer to the earth’s surface, by means of volcanic eruption. The rest of the process of unearthing these stones is usually carried out by forces such as weathering and erosion.
Diamonds, in particular, are usually formed over 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface. They are formed by means of crystallization, within magma. However, the process of diamond formation depends extensively on the degree of heat and pressure present under the earth’s surface (because if the molten magma erupts or rises too slowly, the diamonds formed would not be retained, therefore, pressure and heat plays a very large role in diamond formation).
When gemstones are formed through this natural method, volcanic eruptions tend to play important parts in their discovery. This is because such as stones are usually formed too far beneath the earth’s crust (over a hundred miles below the earth’s surface), that mining would not typically be possible without the process of volcanic eruption.
- Metamorphism
A lot of gemstones are formed due to the process of metamorphism, whereby mineral elements beneath the earth are exposed to high levels of heat and pressure which transform the mineral elements into gemstone crystals. Such extreme levels of heat and pressure are usually formed by the movement of tectonic plates, deep beneath the earth’s crust. Examples of gemstones which are formed by this process include; zircon, lapis lazuli, ruby, alexandrite spinel, beryl, sapphire, jade and others including tiger eyes stones.
WHAT ARE TIGER EYES STONES?
As stated earlier, all the different varieties of gemstones that exist on earth can be categorized into precious and semi-precious stones. While precious stones – like diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald – are usually high in demand due to their rarity and high prices, other types of gemstones (i.e. semi-precious stones) also have their uses.
For instance, semi-precious stones are widely used in the field of jewelry making (much like their precious stone counterparts). Stones like turquoise, jade, amethyst, citrine, garnet, pearl, opal, spinel, onyx and several others are some of the most commonly used examples of semi-precious gemstones used in jewelry making. This is because a lot of them have properties which make them desirable for use. It is also because a number of them can be sold at high prices, despite the fact that they are not precious stones (e.g. jade, pearl and amethyst of very high quality).
Another reason why semi precious stones are used a lot in jewelry making is that some of them are associated with very popular cultural and religious beliefs. Tiger eyes stone is one of the gemstones that falls under this category.
This gemstone (i.e. tiger eyes stone) is known as a chatoyant, because it possesses a kind of reflectance on exposure to light, which is reminiscent of a cat’s eye. The gemstone is usually red or red-brown in color. Asides from its color and distinctive chatoyant nature, tiger eyes can typically be identified by its silky luster. It is formed from quartz, and therefore belongs to the quartz group. The stone is commonly believed to ward off evil and protect those who wear it against misfortune.
WHY ARE TIGER EYES STONES POPULAR?
Tiger eyes stones are very popular because a lot of people believe they hold a lot of power. Apart from warding off evil and misfortune, some people also believe that this gemstone can boost the confidence level of those that wear it; as well as their strength.
Others believe that this stone can provide courage to people that wear it (and those that keep articles made from it in their surroundings). Some other beliefs related to tiger eyes stone include the following:
- Tiger eyes stone is believed to help people get grounded
In some cultures, tiger eyes is believed to be a sacral chakra stone, which means it can help people find their roots or balance within themselves. It can also help them become more grounded.
- Tiger eyes stone is believed to be a great motivator
In some cultures across the world, this stone is believed to help people become and stay motivated. Not only does this stone allegedly do this by renewing a person’s motivation, it also keeps them focused on their tasks by keeping bad energy – and negativity – away from them. One other way tiger eyes stone is supposed to motivate people (specifically those that wear them or keep them near) is by giving them the courage to do the things they need to do.