Tiger iron is correctly known as a banded iron formation.
Although BIFs as they're known for short can be found around the world, only those from Western Australia are 'tiger iron'.
Tiger iron is made up of layers of iron-rich minerals the most common of which are hematite or magnetite, red jasper and tigers eye.
Due to the similarity in colour and markings, tiger iron is often mistaken for tigers eye.
In the last few years material used for its healing properties has become known as Mugglestone.
Despite extensive research we've not been able to establish the origins of this trade name.
Tiger iron is a relatively hard material that's classed as a rock not a mineral.
TIFFANY STONE
