Where is Hawk's Eye found?
Blue Tiger's Eye (variety of Tiger's Eye, a form of Quartz)
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Open the appHawk's Eye occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Hawk's Eye
South Africa
The primary source, particularly in the Griqualand West region, where extensive deposits of crocidolite-rich iron formations occur.
Australia
Western Australia, specifically the Hamersley Range, is another significant source.
Myanmar (Burma)
Known for some occurrences, though less prominent than South Africa or Australia.
India
Limited occurrences have been reported.
United States
Minor deposits in certain iron-rich metamorphic terrains.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Look for Hawk's Eye in areas known for metamorphosed banded iron formations (BIFs) or other iron-rich sedimentary rocks that have undergone low-grade metamorphism.
- Associated Minerals. It is often found alongside other forms of quartz, jasper, and iron oxides. The presence of relict crocidolite fibers is key.
- Chatoyancy. The most distinctive feature is its chatoyancy. Rotate potential specimens under a light source to observe the moving band of light. This effect is best seen on polished or tumbled surfaces.
- Color Variation. While predominantly blue-gray to blue-green, some specimens may show areas transitioning to golden-brown Tiger's Eye, indicating varying degrees of crocidolite oxidation.
- Safety Precaution. As Hawk's Eye is a pseudomorph after crocidolite (a form of asbestos), raw, unpolished specimens, especially those with visible loose fibers, should be handled with caution. Avoid inhaling dust if cutting or grinding. Polished specimens are generally considered safe as the asbestos fibers are encapsulated within the quartz matrix.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Blue-gray to blue-green with chatoyancy.
- Luster:
- Silky to vitreous.
- Streak:
- White (due to quartz).
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