Where is Tiger's Eye found?
Tiger's Eye (a variety of Chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of silica)
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Open the appTiger'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 Tiger's Eye
South Africa
The primary and most significant source, particularly in the Griqualand West region, where vast deposits of high-quality Tiger's Eye are found in banded iron formations.
Australia
Western Australia has notable deposits, often associated with banded iron formations.
India
Smaller deposits are found in various regions.
Myanmar (Burma)
Known for some occurrences.
United States
Limited occurrences in states like Arizona and California.
Canada
Some deposits have been reported.
Collecting tips
- Look for Banded Iron Formations. Tiger's Eye is typically found in association with banded iron formations (BIFs), which are sedimentary rocks rich in iron oxides and chert. These formations are often Precambrian in age.
- Identify Fibrous Structures. Search for rocks exhibiting a distinct fibrous texture, even if the characteristic chatoyancy isn't immediately apparent in rough specimens. The original crocidolite fibers are key.
- Observe Chatoyancy. When examining potential specimens, rotate them under a light source to check for the characteristic shimmering band of light. This is the most definitive visual identifier.
- Check for Color Range. While golden-brown is classic, also look for reddish-brown (often heat-treated) or blue (Hawk's Eye) variations, as they indicate similar geological origins.
- Safety Precautions (Crocidolite). **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:** The precursor mineral, crocidolite, is a form of asbestos. While Tiger's Eye itself is quartz and generally safe once fully silicified, handling raw, un-silicified or partially silicified material, or material from the immediate vicinity of crocidolite deposits, requires extreme caution. Avoid disturbing or breaking such material, and do not inhale any dust. Always wear appropriate respiratory protection (P100 respirator) and eye protection if there is any possibility of encountering crocidolite fibers. Fully formed Tiger's Eye, where all crocidolite has been replaced by quartz, is considered safe to handle as the hazardous fibers are no longer present in their original form. However, exercise prudence with unpolished, rough material from unknown sources.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Golden-brown to reddish-brown with shimmering bands.
- Luster:
- Silky to vitreous.
- Streak:
- White (due to quartz composition).
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