Where is Tiger's Eye found?

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 Tiger's Eye

Collecting tips

1. Look for Metamorphic Terrains. Focus on areas known for metamorphic rocks, especially those with banded iron formations or serpentinite bodies, as these are the typical host rocks.
2. Identify Veins and Seams. Tiger's Eye often occurs in distinct veins or seams within the host rock. Look for linear features or concentrations of fibrous material.
3. Observe Chatoyancy. The most distinctive feature is its chatoyancy. Rotate suspected samples under a light source to observe the moving band of reflected light.
4. Check for Color and Luster. The characteristic golden-yellow to reddish-brown colors and silky luster are strong indicators.
5. Safety Precaution: Crocidolite. While Tiger's Eye itself is safe due to the complete replacement of crocidolite by quartz, the original formation involves crocidolite asbestos. When collecting in situ, especially from raw, unaltered veins, there is a potential risk of encountering unreplaced crocidolite. Crocidolite is a hazardous amphibole asbestos mineral. Avoid disturbing or collecting any blue, fibrous material that appears unaltered. Always wear appropriate respiratory protection (P100 respirator) and avoid creating dust when working with raw material from such environments. Handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Polished Tiger's Eye is completely safe as the asbestos has been fully silicified.

Quick Check

Color:

Golden-yellow to reddish-brown with chatoyancy

Luster:

Silky to vitreous

Streak:

White

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