tiger-eye
Definition
Noun: - A gemstone: "tiger-eye" (also spelled "tiger's-eye") is a chatoyant gemstone, typically golden to red-brown in color, with a silky luster that displays a banded, light-reflecting effect resembling the eye of a tiger. It is a variety of quartz.
Usage Examples
- (A piece of jewelry featuring the gemstone.)
- (Describing the visual property of the gem.)
Advanced Usage
"tiger-eye as a decorative material": used in carvings, cabochons, and inlay work.
- The artisan polished the tiger-eye to a high gloss for the ring setting. (The gem was processed for use in jewelry.)
"tiger-eye in metaphysical contexts": believed by some to offer protection or enhance focus.
- Many people carry tiger-eye as a talisman for courage. (Used symbolically for personal strength.)
Variants and Related Words
Tiger's-eye (n): an alternative spelling of "tiger-eye."
- The collector preferred the term "tiger's-eye" for the stone. (A synonym with the same meaning.)
Tiger-eye quartz (n): a more specific mineralogical term.
- Tiger-eye quartz is a pseudomorph of crocidolite. (A technical description in geology.)
Synonyms
- Chatoyant quartz: a scientific term for the stone's reflective quality.
- Golden quartz: a descriptive term based on its color.
Related Idioms
- "Eye of the tiger": a phrase meaning fierce determination (not directly related to the gemstone, but sometimes confused by learners).
- He had the eye of the tiger during the competition. (Used figuratively for intense focus.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None commonly associated with "tiger-eye" as a noun.