Golden-brown and warm-red beads, each holding the silky, banded play of light: this 108-bead tiger eye mala brings a deep, earthy glow. It can be worn as a necklace or wrapped several times around the wrist, and arrives in a decorative pouch.
Tiger eye
Tiger eye is a golden-brown, silky-sheened variety of quartz, recognised by its characteristic banded play of light (chatoyancy). It is around 7 on the Mohs scale, with South Africa as its main source. The red tone arises through heat treatment or natural iron oxide, and it is also known as cat's eye. Tradition knows it as a stone of courage, protection and grounding, said to strengthen self-confidence. These are traditional meanings, not health claims.
What is a mala, and why 108 beads?
A mala is a Hindu and Buddhist tool for prayer and meditation, used to count mantras – by tradition 108 times. The number 108 weaves a rich symbolic web in tradition: it is linked with the celestial proportions of the sun and moon, with the body's energy channels, and with the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. As the mantra is repeated, attention rests on the vibration of the words and thoughts grow quiet.
Wearing and care
As a natural stone, every bead has its own banding. Keep the mala away from water, perfume and cosmetics, and clean it with a soft cloth; the pouch also helps with storage.