metamorphic
Polished tiger’s iron
Tiger’s iron, a banded rock composed mainly of hematite or jasper, golden-brown tiger’s-eye quartz, and often magnetite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness about 6–7; polished surface shows metallic reddish-brown and golden bands with chatoyant shimmer. The bands are fine-grained and intergrown rather than a single crystal structure; density varies with iron content.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness about 6–7; polished surface shows metallic reddish-brown and golden bands with chatoyant shimmer. The bands are fine-grained and intergrown rather than a single crystal structure; density varies with iron content.
Formation & geological history
A natural iron-rich banded rock formed through geological processes that brought together silica-rich layers and iron oxides; precise ages vary by deposit. Commercial material is especially associated with ancient formations in Western Australia.
Uses & applications
Cut and polished for cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative objects; also collected as an ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Its striking bands combine the appearance of tiger’s-eye with dark iron-rich minerals, and each piece has a distinct pattern.
Field identification & locations
Look for curved, parallel bands and a silky shifting sheen when tilted; reddish metallic layers distinguish it from ordinary tiger’s-eye. Major sources include Western Australia and South Africa.
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