Where is Hawk's Eye found?
Silicified Crocidolite (Quartz variety)
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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
Northern Cape Province, South Africa
The most significant and historically important source of Hawk's Eye and Tiger's Eye, particularly in the Griqualand West region.
Western Australia
Deposits are found in the Hamersley Basin, often associated with banded iron formations.
Myanmar (Burma)
Known for some occurrences, though less prominent than South Africa.
India
Minor occurrences have been reported.
United States (Arizona, California)
Limited occurrences, often associated with other asbestos-bearing rocks.
Collecting tips
- Look for Banded Iron Formations. Hawk's Eye is typically found in ancient banded iron formations (BIFs), which are distinctive sedimentary rocks composed of alternating layers of iron-rich minerals (like hematite or magnetite) and chert (microcrystalline quartz). These formations are often Precambrian in age.
- Identify Fibrous Structures. Even in its silicified form, Hawk's Eye retains the fibrous structure of the original crocidolite. Look for parallel, silky fibers within the blue quartz. Unpolished specimens may show a duller luster but the fibrous texture should still be discernible.
- Observe Chatoyancy. The most distinctive feature is its chatoyancy. Rotate the specimen under a light source to observe the moving band of light. This effect is best seen on polished surfaces but can sometimes be observed on rough material.
- Distinguish from Tiger's Eye. Hawk's Eye is blue, while Tiger's Eye is golden-brown. The color difference is key. Hawk's Eye represents the unoxidized state of the crocidolite fibers.
- Safety Precautions (Crocidolite). While the crocidolite in Hawk's Eye is silicified and generally considered stable, the original mineral, crocidolite, is a form of asbestos and highly hazardous. When collecting in areas known for crocidolite, exercise extreme caution. Avoid disturbing or breaking raw, un-silicified crocidolite. Always wear appropriate respiratory protection (P100 respirator) and eye protection if there is any chance of encountering friable asbestos. Do not saw, grind, or sand raw, unpolished Hawk's Eye without proper ventilation and dust control, as this could potentially release residual crocidolite fibers. Polished and finished Hawk's Eye is generally considered safe for handling.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Dark blue to bluish-gray
- Luster:
- Silky to vitreous, chatoyant
- Streak:
- White
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