Really Characterful Large Red, Yellow, Silver Black, Chocolate and Ochre Coloured , Banded Jupiter Jasper, Mugglestone Freeform Display Piece. 165-133-89mm. 2.36kg. A Grade. Northern Cape, South Africa.
Tiger iron, also known as 'Jupiter Jasper', is a rare and incredibly unique mineral composed of yellow tiger's eye, red jasper and metallic, silver hematite. It forms in bands, the finest specimens showing perfect neat stripes, and has an incredibly attractive appearance that has resulted in it's popularity as a gemstone in jewellery and ornaments. This mineral is found only in Western Australia and South Africa, many sources will wrongly state the former as its exclusive locality. A unique variety of South African tiger iron is known as 'Mugglestone' as it is found on ‘Muggle farm’ owned by a Mr and Mrs Muggle. Some have speculated that this stone is a type of stromatolite; a layered formation of fossilised algae and sediments.