What is Tiger Iron? Are Tiger Iron and Mugglestone the Same?
Tiger Iron is the trade name commonly applied to specimens exhibiting intergrowth of Hematite, various colors of Jasper, and Tigers Eye. Tiger Iron may also contain Martite and Chert, depending on the stone. When Tigers Eye, Brown Jasper, and Hematite are the most prominent, the specimen is likely to be referred to as Tiger Iron. However, specimens with higher color variety due to the presence of Red Jasper or Yellow Jasper are more likely to be called Mugglestone. Although some see the word Mugglestone and attribute it to the Harry Potter universe, the name actually has nothing to do with the literary works of You-Know-Who. Rather, Mugglestone Tiger Iron specimens are thought to derive their name from the Mugglestein Priska District of South Africa where colorful Tiger Iron is prevalent. Although Mugglestone may have been used only for pieces originating from that location in the past, it has now become synonymous with any piece of Tiger Iron containing Red Jasper in addition to the traditional Tiger Eye and Hematite. At this time, the terms Tiger Iron and Mugglestone are virtually interchangeable, although Tiger Iron is more often used to denote pieces that are primarily caramel Brown Jasper (aka Tiger Jasper) and/or Tiger Eye with the addition of Hematite.
Tiger Iron Meaning and Metaphysical Properties
Tiger Iron is the stone of warriors and leadership, encouraging us to work through hardships with courage, fortitude, a willingness to accept change. Tiger Iron is thought of as a protective stone as well, due to the content of Tigers Eye and Hematite-- both gemstones associated with deflecting negative influences, protection from evil eyes, and shielding against malicious energies. As a gemstone of the Lower Chakras (Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra, and Solar Plexus Chakra) Tiger Iron is used to promote self reliance, determination, confidence, creative problem solving, and decisive action. The meaning of Tiger Iron is forward momentum, and that means seeking opportunities to improve ourselves, better our circumstances, and achieve success even when there are obstacles to work through on the way there. Tiger Iron is very much a solution oriented gemstone that promotes personal strength and viewing difficulties as challenges to excel at.