Where is Tiger Iron found?
Tiger Iron (a banded rock composed of hematite, red jasper, and tiger's eye)
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appTiger Iron occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Tiger Iron
Pilbara Craton, Western Australia
The primary and most famous source of high-quality Tiger Iron, particularly from the Hamersley Basin, where some of the world's oldest and most extensive BIFs are found.
South Africa
Another significant source, particularly in the Northern Cape Province, known for its rich deposits of tiger's eye and associated iron formations.
United States
Minor occurrences of similar banded iron formations exist in regions like Michigan and Minnesota, though not typically with the distinct tiger's eye component that defines classic Tiger Iron.
Collecting tips
- Look for Banded Iron Formations. Tiger Iron is a specific type of BIF. Research geological maps for areas known for Precambrian BIFs, especially those that have undergone subsequent metamorphism.
- Identify Component Minerals. Visually identify the distinct layers of metallic hematite, red jasper, and the chatoyant golden-brown tiger's eye. The presence of all three is key to identifying Tiger Iron.
- Check for Chatoyancy. Rotate the specimen under a light source to observe the characteristic silky luster and moving band of light (chatoyancy) within the tiger's eye layers.
- Safety Precautions. While the crocidolite asbestos in tiger's eye is fully silicified and no longer presents a friable asbestos hazard, always exercise caution when collecting or working with unknown materials. Standard dust masks are recommended when cutting or polishing any rock to avoid inhaling fine silica dust.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Banded metallic silvery-black/reddish-brown, opaque red, and golden-brown chatoyant.
- Luster:
- Mixed: metallic, dull/vitreous, silky/chatoyant.
- Streak:
- Reddish-brown (from hematite component).
Explore Tiger Iron
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.