Where is Blue Tiger's Eye found?
Hawk's Eye (variety of Tiger's Eye, a form of Quartz)
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appBlue Tiger'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 Blue Tiger's Eye
South Africa
The primary and most significant source, particularly in the Northern Cape Province, where vast deposits of crocidolite-bearing iron formations occur.
Western Australia
Found in the Hamersley Range, often associated with banded iron formations.
Namibia
Occurrences are noted, often linked to similar geological settings as South Africa.
United States
Limited occurrences, primarily in Arizona and California, though less commercially significant than African sources.
Collecting tips
- Look for Metamorphic Terrains. Focus on regions known for metamorphosed iron formations or areas with historical crocidolite (blue asbestos) mining, as these are the host rocks.
- Identify Fibrous Structure. Even in rough form, look for a distinct parallel fibrous texture. This is key to identifying the pseudomorph.
- Observe Chatoyancy. Rotate the specimen under a light source. The characteristic 'eye' effect (chatoyancy) should be evident, moving across the surface.
- Check Color. The blue-gray to blue-green color is distinctive. Be aware that some material may show partial oxidation, leading to patches of golden-brown.
- Safety Precautions. Blue Tiger's Eye is a pseudomorph of quartz after crocidolite. While the crocidolite fibers are encapsulated in quartz and generally considered safe in polished or stable forms, handling raw, unpolished material, especially if it is friable or dusty, carries a risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. Crocidolite is a known carcinogen. Always wear appropriate respiratory protection (P100 respirator) and eye protection when working with rough or unpolished specimens, and avoid creating dust. Do not saw, grind, or sand raw material without proper ventilation and personal protective equipment. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Polished specimens are generally safe as the fibers are encased.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Blue-gray to blue-green
- Luster:
- Silky to vitreous, chatoyant
- Streak:
- White
Explore Blue Tiger's Eye
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.