Tiger Iron
Tiger Iron is metamorphic (banded iron formation), (tiger eye + hematite + red jasper). In the hand, it rates 6.5 to 7 (varies by band) on the Mohs scale, and it runs golden chatoyant and steel gray. Triple-striped stone: golden tiger-eye silk, metallic gray hematite, and brick-red jasper in alternating bands, noticeably heavy.
The geology.
Tiger Iron carries the formula (tiger eye + hematite + red jasper). It belongs to the, system. Its listing category is metamorphic (banded iron formation).
It sits at 6.5 to 7 (varies by band) on the Mohs scale. The surface reads silky and metallic banded. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 3.0 to 4.0 (iron-rich). The streak is red-brown (hematite bands). It breaks with breaks along banding.
Triple-striped stone: golden tiger-eye silk, metallic gray hematite, and brick-red jasper in alternating bands, noticeably heavy.
It turns up mostly as tumbled, palm stones, cabochons or spheres.
The origins.
Pilbara region, Western Australia, banded iron formations ~2.5 billion years old.
On value, the database notes: common and affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with stamina and grounded strength.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Triple-striped stone: golden tiger-eye silk, metallic gray hematite, and brick-red jasper in alternating bands, noticeably heavy.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Tiger's eye | Plain tiger eye lacks the metallic gray and red bands and feels lighter |
| Hematite | Hematite alone has no golden silk |
| Picture jasper | No chatoyancy, no metallic bands |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about tiger iron. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Heavy in hand (hematite content) |
| By eye | Chatoyant gold bands + metallic gray bands together |
| By eye | Red-brown streak from hematite layers |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6.5 to 7 (varies by band) on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with breaks along banding, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (tiger eye + hematite + red jasper). Crystal system:,. Specific gravity: 3.0 to 4.0 (iron-rich). Streak: Red-brown (hematite bands). Cleavage and fracture: Breaks along banding.
How it reaches the market
Pilbara region, Western Australia, banded iron formations ~2.5 billion years old.
What it gets confused with
Tiger's eye: Plain tiger eye lacks the metallic gray and red bands and feels lighter. Hematite: Hematite alone has no golden silk. Picture jasper: No chatoyancy, no metallic bands.
What it is worth
Common and affordable.
One more thing
Tiger iron's stripes are oxygen's birth certificate, banded iron formed as early photosynthesis first rusted Earth's oceans.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry tiger iron. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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