Gemstone profile and identification guide
Tiger Iron
Tiger iron is a layered ornamental rock combining tiger eye, jasper, and hematite components.
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Overview
Tiger iron is a layered ornamental rock combining tiger eye, jasper, and hematite components.
Did you know? Tiger iron is sometimes marketed as a grounding stone due to its dramatic layered appearance.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Tiger Iron
Scientific classification: Composite Rock Trade Material
Hardness: 6.5 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: silky to metallic
Crystal system: Composite aggregate
Primary colour: Gold
Secondary colour: Red Brown
Colour family: Oranges & Yellows
Distinct banded combination of chatoyant and metallic layers is diagnostic.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Interlayered tiger eye, jasper, and hematite-rich bands
Crystal system: Composite aggregate
Common locations: Australia, South Africa
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Layered chatoyant and metallic-banded material with gold, red, and black zones.
Optical effects: Chatoyancy, Banding
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Composite layered trade material
Mineral group: Ornamental rock category
Chemical formula: Interlayered tiger eye, jasper, and hematite-rich bands
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Crystal system: Composite aggregate
Lustre: silky to metallic
Transparency: opaque
Streak: Variable
Cleavage: Variable by layer
Fracture: Uneven
Specific gravity: 2.8-3.3 (variable)
Refractive index: Variable by component
Optical phenomena: Chatoyancy in tiger eye bands
Colour range: Gold-red-black layered bands
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Australia, South Africa
Important commercial sources: Tiger iron is a composite ornamental material, not a single mineral species
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, carvings, and decorative objects.
Care recommendations: Generally durable but can fracture along band interfaces under impact.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Tiger Iron.
Formation
Forms through complex metamorphic and replacement processes in iron-rich host rocks.
Origin
Tiger iron is a composite ornamental material, not a single mineral species
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons, carvings, and decorative objects.
Ideal uses: Bold patterned jewelry and collector slabs.
Care
Generally durable but can fracture along band interfaces under impact.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Tiger Iron FAQ
How can I identify Tiger Iron?
Compare hardness (6.5 Mohs), crystal system (Composite aggregate), colour profile, and lustre (silky to metallic) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Tiger Iron appear in?
Layered chatoyant and metallic-banded material with gold, red, and black zones.
Where is Tiger Iron commonly used?
Bold patterned jewelry and collector slabs.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.