Yellow Tiger Iron Polished Slice Western Australia 131
Tiger Iron Chatoyant Slab from the Ord Ranges Pilbara, Western Australia Australia
Tiger Iron is a rare gemstone exclusively found in Western Australia's Pilbara region, originating from an ancient geological formation aged around 3 billion years. This area is known for its abundant iron ore, crucial for steel production. The gemstone features a distinctive pattern of alternating layers of golden Tiger Eye, shiny silver Hematite, and colourful Jaspilite in shades of red, brown, or black. It's notable for being the sole known occurrence of Crocidolite from this time period. The Crocidolite is transformed into the golden Tiger Eye through interaction with iron-rich minerals.
The Banded Iron formations formed from sediment layers in shallow seas, altered by volcanic heat that dissolved silica and left substantial iron deposits. The distinct bands and hues arise from diverse iron types and silica's reappearance. The wavy patterns in Tiger Iron result from the bending and twisting of sediment layers due to geological shifts over billions of years. The extreme heat and pressure during its formation caused the rock's layers to fold.
Size: See photo for scale (please email if you want exact dimensions)
