Tiger Iron

Tiger Iron Metaphysical Properties

In Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, balance comes from the combination of yellow (earth colors) and black/dark brown (water colors). Because yellow is also associated with communication and dark colors with independence--as well as strong self-discipline--tiger iron gives a strong, clear message when worn. That's a big part of tiger iron's spiritual power.

Tiger iron is said to contain the metaphysical properties of its component stones--the grounding power and circulatory affinity of hematite; the healing power and blood-cleansing abilities of red jasper; the energizing power and clarity inducing strength of tigereye--as well as being considered powerful in its own right. Tiger iron is believed to be a rare and potent three-fold stone; it grounds energies, protects the spirit and manifests the will. As such, practitioners are wary when pairing it with other stones, lest it supercharge them.

Tiger iron is affiliated with the root, sacral and solar plexus chakras. It is assigned to the western signs of Scorpio and Leo, and is popular among "earth" signs such as Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. It can be found among those born in the Year of the Metal Tiger in Chinese astrology (1950 and 2010).

Tiger Iron Geological Properties

There is still scientific uncertainty as to the formation process of tiger iron. Some geologists think this stone is a stromatolite, which includes banded layers of laminated algae fossils from sedimentary deposits. An alternate theory is that tiger iron is a banded iron formation (BIF), formed when the earth was far more oxygen-rich than it is now. Both schools of thought agree, however, that tiger iron is formed in sedimentary deposits.

Deposits of tiger iron are found in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, in the Lake Superior area of the United states and, of course, in the Moclestone area of England.