Hawk's Eye Gemstone Information

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Hawk's eye is a unique gemstone variety of fibrous quartz, ranging in color from blue-gray to blue-green. It is a type of macrocrystalline quartz that has undergone a transformation process known as pseudomorphism. This occurs when one mineral gradually changes into another over time. In the case of hawk's eye, it originally formed as crocidolite, a blue fibrous mineral from the riebeckite family of amphibole silicates, which is a type of asbestos. As quartz slowly replaces the fibers of crocidolite, the transformation of hawk's eye takes place, maintaining the original mineral's fibrous structure while adopting a new composition.

Hawk's eye is famed for its chatoyancy, reminiscent of the 'eye of a hawk'. It is closely related to tiger's eye and pietersite, both of which exhibit similar chatoyancy. Tiger's eye is actually formed from hawk's eye. As blue crocidolite is dissolved by quartz, traces of iron oxide remain; less iron tends to result in the blue color of crocidolite and if more iron is present, color tends to result in the brownish golden color of tiger's eye.

Pietersite is any brecciated aggregate made up mostly of hawk's eye and tiger's eye. Pietersite has a rather chaotic swirling pattern because during its formation, materials that make up its composition are broken apart, swirled about and are then reformed and cemented together by quartz. Nowadays, the term 'pietersite' may be used to describe any brecciated form of hawk's eye or tiger's eye.

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Hawk's eye can be found in many locations around the world. Some of the most notable deposits and sources include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Korea, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, South Africa, Spain and the United States (mostly Arizona and California). Thailand and the Northern Cape province of South Africa are the largest commercial suppliers of hawk's eye.

Hawk's Eye Color

Hawk's eye is normally blue-gray to blue-green in color. Some materials may contain higher levels of oxidized iron, which results in a more bluish-brown color. Like tiger's eye, hawk's eye is typically multicolored with golden stripes or wavy patterns. Its chatoyancy can result in darker or lighter color tones depending on the viewing angle.

Hawk's Eye Clarity and Luster

Hawk's eye is an opaque fibrous aggregate. It exhibits an iridescence that enhances its silky luster, particularly when cut en cabochon. Hawk's eye chatoyancy or the 'bird's eye' effect can be seen as small rays of light reflecting off the surface of stones. With hawk's eye, the bird's eye effect can be seen even in plain, flat-cut stones. 

Hawk's Eye Cut and Shape

Hawk's eye is almost always cut en cabochon in order to maximize the desirable chatoyant effects. In some cases, hawk's eye may be carved as an ornamental stone. Most stones are shaped as ovals, but other shapes may also be found, including pears, rounds and freeform shapes.

Hawk's Eye Treatment

Hawk's eye gemstones are not normally treated or enhanced in any way. Some darker and redder stones may have been dyed or heated to improve color, and in some rare cases, nitric acid can be used to lighten colors that are too dark. All reputable gemstone sellers declare any such enhancements. Imitation hawk's eye gemstones can be found; imitations are typically composed of artificial fiber-optic glass.

Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.

Pietersite

Hawk's eye is one of the many types of macrocrystalline quartz. It is technically a pseudomorph of quartz that originally formed from fibrous crocidolite, one of several minerals which belong to the riebeckite family of amphibole silicates. Crocidolite is classified as a type of asbestos. As a type of quartz, there are many gemstone varieties that are similar or related to hawk's eye, including tiger's eye and pietersite. Tiger's eye is actually formed from hawk's eye, while pietersite is a rare type of gemstone composed mostly of hawk's eye and tiger's eye.

Tiger's eye is better known than hawk's eye and pietersite because it is much more common in occurrence. When tiger's eye is cut and finished with some of its host rock intact, it is traded as 'tiger's eye matrix'. There is another form of tiger's eye sometimes referred to as 'tiger's iron'. Tiger's iron is composed mostly of tiger's eye, along with red jasper and black hematite. It is often cut and finished with its matrix and traded as 'tiger's iron matrix'

Hawk's eye is associated with the power of sight and intuition. It is sometimes known as 'the falcon's eye', or as 'blue tiger's eye'. It is used for many metaphysical purposes. It is believed to help those with a fear of flying. It is thought to be good for sight and vision, enhancing our ability to focus. Physically, it is often used for problems with eyesight, but it is also helpful for sinus congestion, as well as spine and neck problems. 

Hawk's eye is believed to be a stone of protection, often used by travelers. It can also be used to help protect against the negative energy of others. It is associated with the planet Jupiter and the astrological sign of Sagittarius. Its energy is known to help balance the brow chakra.

Hawk's eye is actually quite rare, so it is not often seen in mainstream jewelry. Despite it being a rarer stone, when compared to tiger's eye, it is actually an affordable stone. It is also quite durable like other forms of quartz. Owing to its tribal look, it is often seen used in interesting pendants, or beaded necklaces. Hawk's eye gemstones can also be used for pretty much anything else imaginable, from earrings to rings and brooches. Many materials are carved into interesting floral cuts ideal for this type of jewelry design. Its attractive bluish-gray color makes it a popular gemstone for men's jewelry, particularly as cuff-links or tie-tacks.

Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.

Like most quartz gemstones, hawk's eye is quite durable and resistant to wear and tear. However, it is sensitive to some acids, so cleaning should only done using only warm water and a mild soap or detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners like bleach, ammonia or sulfuric acid. Also avoid the spraying of perfumes or hairspray on your hawk's eye gems. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are generally considered safe, but as with most gemstones, they are not recommended. Always remove any hawk's eye gems and jewelry before exercising, playing sports or performing any harsh household chores.

When storing hawk's eye gems, store them separately and away from other gems and jewelry. It is best to wrap stones individually using a soft cloth, or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box for extra protection.