Tiger Iron: Banded Gold, Red and Silver

Tiger iron is not a single mineral but a natural layered rock. Three materials sit in stripes: golden tiger's eye with its silky shimmer, brick red jasper, and steel grey hematite with a metallic shine. The layers were laid down as iron-rich sediment billions of years ago and folded into waves, which is why no two pieces share a pattern.

The local name follows the English one, Tiger Iron, and some sellers call it iron tiger's eye. It is different from plain tiger's eye, which is quartz alone. Here the drama comes from contrast.

What makes a good piece

• Balance: the most attractive stones show all three colours in clear, crisp bands.
• Polish: hematite and jasper take polish differently, so look for an even, mirror-like surface without pits.
• Orientation: bands running across a long oval or rectangle look bold; curved bands suit a round cabochon.

Tiger iron is rarely treated. Its colours are natural, and dyeing would gain little. Weight runs high for the size because hematite is heavy, so check the millimetre measurements on each listing.

In Pakistan it is chosen mostly as a strong, earthy stone for men's silver rings and large pendants. It also makes a distinctive gift for someone who prefers unusual stones to sparkly ones.

Hardness varies across the bands, roughly 5.5 to 7, so the hematite layers can scratch first. A bezel setting protects the edges. Clean with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth and avoid soaking, since hematite does not like long contact with water.