Tiger’s eye vs. Iron Tiger Eye

Tiger’s eye is a single material—quartz that replaced blue crocidolite fibers, leaving silky, chatoyant “tiger” bands (golden from iron oxides). Iron Tiger Eye (tiger iron) is a rock that combines tiger’s eye with hematite/magnetite and red jasper in bold layers. Think of it as tiger’s eye with bandmates.

Name notes & cousins

• Hawk’s eye — blue tiger’s eye (less oxidized).
• Bull’s eye — red tiger’s eye (often heat‑oxidized).
• Pietersite — brecciated, swirled tiger’s eye/hawk’s eye in quartz cement.

In trade, “iron tiger eye” and “tiger iron” are used interchangeably.

Banded beginnings

Many deposits start as banded iron formations—ancient layers of silica and iron oxides. Metamorphism and fluid flow reorganize those layers into alternating quartz (jasper/tiger’s eye) and iron oxide bands.

Pseudomorph magic

The blue amphibole crocidolite is replaced by quartz, but the fibrous texture persists. Oxidation introduces iron (goethite/limonite films), turning blue to golden brown and enhancing the silk.

Folds & flow

Regional deformation bends and folds the bands into waves, flames, and scenic “terraces,” giving slabs their dramatic movement even before you tilt them.

Palette

• Golden‑brown — chatoyant tiger’s eye quartz “silk.”
• Brick/red — opaque jasper bands, iron‑rich.
• Gunmetal/steel — metallic hematite or magnetite sheets.
• Amber highlights — internal reflections when backlit.

Expect strong contrast: warm silk playing against cool metal, grounded by earthy red.

Pattern words

• Flame bands — chatoyant ribbons rising like tongues of fire.
• Wave‑folds — rhythmic, beach‑like undulations in cross section.
• Terraces — step‑like layers where band thickness changes.
• Mirror cuts — metallic layers that photograph like black chrome.

Photo tip: A small point light at ~25–35° makes the silk run. Add a soft fill opposite to tame reflections off hematite.

Tiger’s eye domains

Look for parallel, hair‑fine fibers (really quartz replacing crocidolite). As you tilt, silky reflections concentrate into a narrow, bright line.

Iron layers

Hematite appears as dark, mirror‑like laminae with high reflectivity; occasional magnetite gives a stronger magnet tug. Minute specular flakes may pepper transitions.

Jasper ribbons

Opaque, microcrystalline quartz with grainy, even texture. Under magnification, tiny iron‑oxide freckles and healed micro‑fractures are common.

Tiger’s eye (solo)

All chatoyant quartz with little/no red jasper or metallic iron—more uniform gold‑brown, fewer high‑contrast bands.

Pietersite

Brecciated, swirly aggregates of hawk’s eye/tiger’s eye in quartz cement—looks stormy rather than banded; silk runs in eddies, not stripes.

Banded jasper/agate

Bold stripes but lacks chatoyancy and metallic laminae. Surface reads uniformly waxy‑vitreous, not half‑silk/half‑metal.

Hematite‑quartz composites

Metallic sheen and quartz present, but without tiger’s eye silk. Patterns tend to be granular or massive rather than ribboned.

Dyed banded stones

Too‑even color saturation; no moving silk; dye accumulates along fractures. A loupe and a light sweep tell the story quickly.

Quick checklist

• Does a bright band move when you tilt it? ✔
• Do you see metallic mirrors alternating with red ribbons? ✔
• Some magnet response near dark layers? Sometimes. → Likely iron tiger eye.

Where it shines

Iconic material comes from the Hamersley Range (Pilbara), Western Australia, where sweeping folds create flame‑like patterns. South Africa (Northern Cape, around the old asbestos hills) yields classic, high‑contrast bands. Smaller occurrences are scattered worldwide wherever BIFs and silica‑rich metamorphism intersect.

How it’s used

Cut into cabochons, freeforms, spheres, beads, knife scales, and small sculptures. Jewelers love the instant drama: a cab that reads like a sunset over steel.

Everyday care

• Clean with lukewarm water + mild soap; soft cloth; dry promptly.
• Avoid ultrasonics/steam—laminated rocks and fine fractures prefer quiet spa days.
• Store separately from harder gems; quartz is tough, but metallic layers can scuff.

Jewelry guidance

• Great in pendants, statement rings, cuffs. Use protective bezels for rings; position the brightest silk face‑up.
• Brushed silver and blackened metals amplify the contrast; warm gold echoes the tiger bands.
• Open backs and low‑angle lighting make the chatoyancy pop in displays.

On the wheel

• Orient slabs so fibers run parallel to the cab face—max chatoyancy.
• Pre‑polish 600→1200→3k; finish with alumina or cerium on leather/felt. Light pressure keeps metallic layers crisp.
• Micro‑bevel girdles; avoid thin, unsupported corners across iron laminae.

Silk run

Hold a flashlight low and sweep across the banded gold. The chatoyant line races the length of the cab—nature’s spotlight effect.

Magnet whisper

Move a strong neodymium magnet near the darkest metallic bands. A slight tug hints at magnetite; hematite alone is usually quieter.