Where is Red Tiger's Eye found?
Quartz (variety of Tiger's Eye)
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Open the appRed 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 Red Tiger's Eye
South Africa
The primary source of high-quality Tiger's Eye, including Red Tiger's Eye, particularly in the Griqualand West region, Northern Cape Province. Occurs in extensive banded iron formations.
Australia
Western Australia, particularly the Hamersley Range, is another significant source, often found in similar geological settings to South Africa.
India
Some occurrences have been reported, though generally less prominent than South African or Australian deposits.
Myanmar (Burma)
Minor occurrences have been noted.
United States
Limited occurrences in states like Arizona and California, often associated with asbestos deposits.
Collecting tips
- Look for Banded Iron Formations. Red Tiger's Eye is typically found in or near ancient banded iron formations (BIFs) where crocidolite asbestos was present. These are often found in Precambrian shield areas.
- Identify Fibrous Structures. Even in its silicified form, the fibrous nature of the original crocidolite is preserved. Look for parallel, silky fibers within the rock.
- Observe Chatoyancy. The most distinctive feature is its chatoyancy. Rotate potential specimens under a light source to observe the moving band of light.
- Check for Reddish Hues. While some Red Tiger's Eye is naturally occurring, some is heat-treated. Natural Red Tiger's Eye will have a more consistent, often deeper, reddish-brown color compared to some artificially heated material which might show more orange or uneven coloration.
- Safety Precautions. When collecting in areas known for crocidolite (asbestos) deposits, exercise extreme caution. While Red Tiger's Eye itself is silicified and generally safe, disturbing the surrounding rock could expose you to hazardous asbestos fibers. Always wear appropriate respiratory protection (P100 respirator) and avoid dry cutting or grinding in the field. Consult local geological surveys for safety guidelines.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Reddish-brown to brick-red with chatoyant bands.
- Luster:
- Silky to vitreous.
- Streak:
- White.
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