Tiger Iron Slice Polished Banded Iron Formation Australia Natural Mineral Specimen

Description

Genuine Tiger Iron Slice from Australia

This exquisite Tiger Iron Slice from Australia is a striking natural specimen showcasing the stunning banded interplay of Tiger Eye, Red Jasper, and Hematite. The polished slice reveals rich layers of gold, red, and metallic grey tones that shimmer with every shift of light. Each piece has been carefully cut and polished to bring out the beauty of this ancient rock formation, which dates back billions of years to the Precambrian Era. The photographed specimen is the actual piece you will receive.

Scale cube = 1 cm — please refer to the photo for full sizing. Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it is a 100% genuine geological specimen.

Geological Formation and Composition

Tiger Iron is a banded iron formation (BIF) — a sedimentary rock composed of alternating layers of iron-rich minerals and silica-rich materials — formed over 2.5 billion years ago during the Archean to early Proterozoic Eons. This mineral composite developed when the Earth’s oceans were saturated with dissolved iron and silica. As oxygen levels began to rise due to photosynthetic cyanobacteria, the iron precipitated out as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄), interbedded with layers of silica that later recrystallized into Tiger Eye and Jasper.

The result is a visually spectacular and scientifically fascinating rock composed of:

• Tiger Eye (Silicified Crocidolite): The golden-brown chatoyant bands formed from the alteration of the fibrous mineral crocidolite by silica, producing the signature shimmering effect.
• Red Jasper (Microcrystalline Quartz): The deep red layers rich in iron oxide give warmth and contrast.
• Hematite (Iron Oxide): The metallic-grey layers that contribute both to the rock’s density and its magnetic, reflective qualities.

This specimen originated from the famous Pilbara region of Western Australia, one of the world’s richest sources of Banded Iron Formations. These geological structures are significant records of the early Earth’s oxygenation and continue to be studied by geologists as indicators of ancient atmospheric and marine conditions.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

When polished, Tiger Iron displays remarkable chatoyancy — the optical “cat’s-eye” effect — caused by the fibrous structure of the Tiger Eye component. The contrasting layers of hematite, jasper, and quartz create dynamic color shifts from gold to red to silver-grey, making each slice unique. The smooth, polished surface highlights the mineral’s natural beauty while preserving its geological texture and authenticity.

Typical physical properties include:

• Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale
• Luster: Silky to metallic
• Specific Gravity: Approximately 4.2–4.5
• Composition: SiO₂ with Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ inclusions

Its durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for collectors, lapidary artists, and display enthusiasts.

Scientific and Collectible Significance

Beyond its visual appeal, Tiger Iron holds significant geological importance as part of the oldest sedimentary deposits on Earth. The formation process reflects the transformation of a once oxygen-poor planet into one capable of sustaining life. Each slice represents a tangible record of this profound planetary evolution.

Collectors value Tiger Iron not only for its ancient origins but also for its unique combination of three distinct minerals in perfect natural harmony. The contrasting hues and textures symbolize the union of fire (jasper), earth (hematite), and light (tiger eye), giving it both geological and metaphysical appeal. It is often associated with strength, endurance, and grounding energy — fitting traits for a stone born from the planet’s earliest forces.

Authenticity and Presentation

This Australian Tiger Iron polished slice has been selected for its superb patterning, chatoyant reflections, and vibrant natural colors. It has been expertly cut and polished to a mirror finish while maintaining the integrity of its natural banded structure.

Scale cube = 1 cm – please see photo for precise measurements.

Every specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying that it is a 100% genuine mineral specimen.

An extraordinary piece for mineral collectors, educators, or anyone captivated by the natural artistry of Earth’s geological history — a timeless display of nature’s craftsmanship in stone.