Where is Tiger's Eye found?
Tiger's Eye (a variety of Chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of Quartz)
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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
Northern Cape Province, South Africa
The most significant and historically important deposits are found in the Griqualand West region, particularly around the towns of Prieska and Kuruman. These deposits are extensive and produce high-quality material.
Western Australia, Australia
Notable deposits occur in the Hamersley Range, particularly in the areas around Tom Price and Newman. These deposits also yield significant quantities of Tiger's Eye and Hawk's Eye.
Thailand
Smaller deposits are found in various regions, contributing to the global supply.
Myanmar (Burma)
Known for some occurrences, though less prominent than South Africa or Australia.
India
Limited occurrences have been reported.
United States (Arizona, California)
Minor occurrences have been found in certain states, but not on a commercial scale comparable to major producers.
Collecting tips
- Look for Metamorphic Terrains. Tiger's Eye is typically found in low-grade metamorphic environments, often associated with serpentinite or other ultramafic rock formations. Geologic maps indicating such areas are a good starting point.
- Identify Veins and Seams. It commonly occurs in veins or seams within the host rock. Look for linear features or bands of distinct color and texture within rock outcrops.
- Observe Chatoyancy. The most distinctive feature is its chatoyancy. When examining potential specimens, rotate them under a light source to observe the characteristic moving band of light. This is crucial for identification.
- Check for Fibrous Structure. While cryptocrystalline, a close examination of a broken surface or unpolished specimen may reveal a subtle fibrous texture, a remnant of the original crocidolite.
- Consider Associated Minerals. Tiger's Eye can be found alongside other minerals typical of metamorphic environments, though its formation is quite specific. Look for iron-stained rocks.
- Safety Warning: Crocidolite Origin. Tiger's Eye forms from the replacement of crocidolite, a type of asbestos. While the quartz replacement process generally renders the material safe by encapsulating or replacing the hazardous fibers, raw, unpolished specimens, especially those with incomplete silicification, may still contain residual crocidolite. Exercise caution when handling unpolished or raw Tiger's Eye, particularly if it appears unusually fibrous or dusty. Avoid grinding or cutting raw material without proper respiratory protection and ventilation to prevent inhalation of potentially harmful fibers. Polished Tiger's Eye is generally considered safe.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Golden-yellow to reddish-brown with chatoyancy.
- Luster:
- Silky to vitreous, chatoyant.
- Streak:
- White (due to quartz composition).
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