Tiger Iron

Scientific Name: Variety of Quartz

Group: Silicates – tectosilicates

Chemical composition: SiO2FeO

Colors: Golden to red brown

Hardness: 7

Formation: Hexagonal/trigonal crystals; Fibrous form

Principal Sources: United States, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Korea, China, Brazil, Namibia, India, Spain and Burma

Special Notes: Tiger iron is an altered rock composed chiefly of tiger’s eye, red jasper, and black hematite. The undulating, contrasting bands of color and luster make for an attractive motif.