
Tiger Iron is a unique gemstone found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is a banded ironstone rock that is composed of Tiger Eye, Hematite, and Red Jasper. Tiger Iron is primarily used as a popular ornamental stone for jewellery, carvings, and knife hilts. It is also said to have metaphysical properties, such as providing strength and protection to its wearer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Region | Pilbara, Western Australia |
| Formation | Archaean formation (3000 million years old) |
| Formation Location | Ord Ranges, near Port Hedland |
| Composition | Iron, Tiger Eye, Hematite, Red Jasper, Chert, Chalcedony, Quartz |
| Use Cases | Jewellery, carvings, knife hilts, ornaments, furniture, bench tops, floor tiles |
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What You'll Learn

Tiger Iron is found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Tiger Iron is a unique gemstone found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is a banded ironstone rock, comprising Tiger Eye, Hematite, and Red Jasper. The stone's striking pattern consists of alternating bands or layers of golden Tiger Eye, silver metallic Hematite, and red, brown, or black Jaspilite.
The Pilbara region is known for its rich iron ore deposits, which are used in the steel industry. The unique deposit of Tiger Iron in this region is believed to be the only recorded occurrence of Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos) in a formation of its age. The formation of this gemstone occurred over 1.7 billion years ago through the accumulation of shallow sea sediments and volcanic activity. During its formation, the deposit was subjected to extreme heat and pressure, resulting in the folding of the rock's bands.
Tiger Iron is widely used in jewellery, carvings, and ornaments. It is also gaining popularity in furniture, bench tops, and floor tiles due to its appealing ornamental slabs or cabochons. The finest specimens of Tiger Iron are found in the far west of the Pilbara region.
The gemstone is also believed to possess metaphysical properties. It is said to provide strength, balance, and protection to its wearer, helping to eradicate fear and obstacles while attracting positive energy and like-minded people.
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It is mined from an Archaean formation in the Ord Ranges
Tiger Iron is a unique gemstone found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is mined from an Archaean formation in the Ord Ranges, near Port Hedland in Western Australia. This formation is around 3000 million years old and is rich in iron ore, which is used in the steel industry. The stone's striking pattern consists of narrow, alternating bands or layers of golden Tiger Eye, silver metallic Hematite, and red, brown, or black Jaspilite.
The deposit is unique due to its formation from the leaching of Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos) by iron-rich minerals and silicification, resulting in the golden Tiger Eye. During its formation, the deposit was subjected to extreme heat and pressure, causing the bands of rock to fold and distort. This folding and distortion contribute to the stone's distinctive wave-like patterns.
The Banded Iron formation, from which Tiger Iron is mined, is a sedimentary sequence of chemically precipitated sediment. It is highly metamorphosed and consists of 15% or more iron of sedimentary origin, with layers of various silica minerals such as Chert, Chalcedony, Jasper, or Quartz. The formation occurred through the accumulation of shallow sea sediments followed by heated water from volcanic activity, which dissolved the silica and left behind massive iron ore deposits.
The banding and colour variations in Tiger Iron are created by different iron variants and the reintroduction of silica. The stone's wave-like patterns are a result of the folding and distortion of the sedimentary layers caused by Earth movements over billions of years. This process has shaped the stone's unique appearance, making it a popular ornamental stone used in jewellery, carvings, knife hilts, and various decorative objects.
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It is a unique gemstone with a striking pattern
Tiger Iron is a unique gemstone with a striking pattern. It is primarily found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is used as a popular ornamental stone for jewellery, carvings, knife hilts, and other ornamental objects. Its distinct appearance is characterised by narrow, alternating bands or layers of golden Tiger Eye, silver metallic Hematite, and red, brown, or black Jaspilite.
The formation of Tiger Iron is a result of a unique geological process that occurred approximately 1.7 billion years ago. It is a sedimentary sequence of chemically precipitated sediment, highly metamorphosed and consisting of 15% or more iron of sedimentary origin. The banding and vibrant colours are created by different iron variants and the reintroduction of silica. The wave-like patterns are a result of the folding and distortion of the sedimentary layers caused by Earth movements over billions of years.
The stone's striking pattern and colour combination have contributed to its popularity, making it one of Australia's best-known semi-precious gemstones. It is also believed to possess metaphysical properties, such as providing strength, balance, and protection to its wearer. Additionally, it is said to help eradicate fear, improve focus, and attract wealth and prosperity.
While Tiger Iron is primarily associated with Western Australia, it is worth noting that similar banded iron formations can be found in other parts of the world, including South Africa, the United States (specifically Wyoming, Minnesota, and Michigan) and Ontario, Canada. However, the specific type known as "Tiger Iron" is unique to its Australian source, and the trade name "Tiger Iron" is associated with a particular mine in Australia.
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Tiger Iron is used in jewellery, carvings, ornaments, furniture, and floor tiles
Tiger Iron is a unique gemstone found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is a popular ornamental stone used in a variety of applications, including jewellery, carvings, ornaments, furniture, and floor tiles.
Tiger Iron is a banded ironstone rock comprising Tiger Eye, Hematite, and Red Jasper. The stone's distinct appearance features narrow alternating bands or layers of golden Tiger Eye, silver metallic Hematite, and red, brown, or black Jaspilite. These bands create a striking pattern that has helped make Tiger Iron one of Australia's best-known semi-precious gemstones.
Due to its unique colour and pattern, Tiger Iron is widely used in jewellery. Its rarity and resemblance to quartz make it a popular choice for jewelers to cut and shape. Tiger Iron is also used in carvings, with small obelisk carvings and tumbled pocket stones being common items found in the market.
In addition to jewellery and carvings, Tiger Iron is used to create decorative ornaments, furniture, and even floor tiles. Its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a desirable material for home décor and design. The stone's strength and distinct banding make it suitable for various ornamental objects and functional pieces.
Tiger Iron is also believed to possess metaphysical properties. It is associated with strength, balance, and protection. Some believe it helps eradicate fear, improves focus, and attracts wealth and prosperity. These qualities have further contributed to the popularity of Tiger Iron in jewellery, ornaments, and decorative items.
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It is also found in South Africa, the US, and Canada
Tiger Iron is a unique gemstone found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. However, banded iron formations or BIFs—which are similar to tiger iron—are found in other parts of the world, including South Africa, the US, and Canada.
In the US, for instance, banded iron formations were first described in the state of Michigan. They can also be found in Minnesota, Wyoming, and Ontario. Tiger iron is also used as a trade name by an Australian mine for their blend of banded iron formation rocks, which may contribute to the confusion over its origin.
In Canada, tiger iron is available in stores in Banff and Whistler, although it is unclear where it is sourced from.
Tiger iron is a combination of gold tiger-eye, grey hematite, and red jasper, which come together to form a unique and beautiful stone. Its gold flashes, caused by tiger-eye, can be quite spectacular.
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Frequently asked questions
Tiger Iron is found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is a unique gemstone with a striking pattern of golden Tiger Eye, silver metallic Hematite, and red, brown, or black Jaspilite.
Tiger Iron is widely used in jewellery, carvings, ornaments, furniture, bench tops, and floor tiles. It is also used as an ornamental stone and for making beads.
Tiger Iron is a banded ironstone rock comprising Tiger Eye, Hematite, and Red Jasper. It is classified as a rock and is one of Australia's best-known semi-precious gemstones.
















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