Tiger Iron identification and geology

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• Banded Iron Formation

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-02-10T20:35:32.277952+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
• Can you identify my rock or mineral? — U.S. Geological Survey. Identification limitations and routes to in-person professional verification.

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Common questions

What is Tiger Iron?

Striking metamorphic rock composed of alternating bands of tiger eye quartz, red jasper, and silver hematite.

How can you identify Tiger Iron?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Metamorphic; texture: Banded; grain size: Fine; common minerals: Tiger Eye quartz, Jasper, Hematite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Tiger Iron form?

Forms from metamorphism of banded iron formations where crocidolite is replaced by quartz tiger eye .

Where is Tiger Iron commonly found?

Western Australia Pilbara , South Africa; found in metamorphosed Precambrian iron formations.

What is Tiger Iron commonly confused with?

Tiger Iron may be confused with Banded Iron Formation, Tiger Eye, Jasper. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.