OEILTA-B-01 Origin: South Africa Grade: A Dimensions: 05-10g - Approximately 15-20mm 10-20g - Approximately 20-30mm 20-30g - Approximately 30-40mm 30-40g - Approximately 40-50mm Origin: South Africa Grade: A = good Raw bull's eye stone from South Africa Sold individually Weight from 05-10g to 30-40g Patterns and colors may vary from one stone to another The true bull's eye stone belongs to the quartzite family. It is composed of silicon dioxide and crocidolite (a mineral rock also known as asbestos), which gives it its fibrous appearance. During the crystallization of the bull's eye, crocidolite, mainly composed of iron, integrates with silica and hydrothermal solutions. Thanks to the process of pseudomorphism, crocidolite transforms and loses its toxicity. It is possible to encounter a bull's eye stone that is actually a tiger's eye stone heated by human hands to give it its incredible red and dark red colors. However, the heating phenomenon can occur in nature. This bull's eye stone can result from a metamorphic transformation due to a modification of the physical and chemical elements of its geological environment. It has evolved according to changes in pressure and temperature, thus naturally displaying this beautiful reddish-brown color. Thus, it seems that the bull's eye heated by humans or heated in its natural environment presents the same virtues. This stone has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. In comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, which is 10 on the same scale. The bull's eye stone owes its name to its shape and reflections that can evoke the eye of a bull or an ox. Indeed, this stone can also be found under the name ox's eye. This stone is associated with the Minotaur in Greek mythology. The Minotaur is a monster with a man's body and a bull's head. He is imprisoned by Minos in the labyrinth built by Daedalus to confine him. Daedalus did not want the Minotaur to be discovered, and he had to protect his labyrinth. Later, the Minotaur will be killed by Theseus, a hero of Attica, son of Poseidon and Aethra. During archaeological excavations, bull's eye talismans are found. This stone served as protection for Roman soldiers. It made them stronger and gave them vitality and strength. It protected them from poisons, stings, venomous bites, or even death. In the Middle East, the bull's eye had a role of protection against negative energies, curses, and evil spirits.