This is the smallest tiger iron we carry, and for a lot of buyers that makes it the sensible place to start. It weighs 11.80 carats, which is 12.97 ratti, and it is listed at Rs. 2,660 — about Rs. 225 per carat. The reference is GS-IR-0001.

What the photograph actually shows

We sampled the picture rather than describing an impression of it. The stone reads 55 out of 255 in brightness, which places it among the darker stones in this category: in ordinary light it looks close to black until you turn it towards a window. Of the colour that is strong enough to measure, 46% sits in the red band, and that red is the deep brick of jasper rather than anything bright. The remaining 66% of the surface is near-grey — the iron-rich layers. Hold it to a lamp and the red separates out of the dark as soft, roughly parallel streaks.

What tiger iron is

Tiger iron is not a single mineral. It is a banded rock, laid down in layers: red jasper, metallic grey hematite, and golden tiger's eye where the conditions were right. Different pieces carry those three ingredients in very different proportions, which is why no two stones in this category look alike. On this one the golden layer is barely present, so what you get is the red-and-grey version of the rock.

Wearing it

At just under 12 carats this is a comfortable everyday ring stone rather than a statement piece, and it suits a modest silver bezel. A bezel matters more here than it would on a quartz: because the layers differ in hardness, the edge of a banded stone is the part most likely to take damage from a knock.

Durability and care

The quartz-rich layers sit at about 7 on the Mohs scale, but the iron-rich bands are softer, so a tiger iron does not wear evenly over many years — the polish dulls first along the metallic bands. Warm water and a soft cloth are all it needs. Keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners, which can work at the junctions between layers.

We have not had this stone tested, so the treatment line reads "not tested" rather than claiming it is untreated, and we do not have a documented origin for it. If you want to know what we do know about this exact piece, message +92 308 887 3888. The rest of the range sits in the iron tiger eye category.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. If this is your first tiger iron, our buying guide explains what to look at first.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural iron tiger eye with a weight of 11.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,660 — roughly Rs. 225 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-IR-0001 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale iron tiger eye rates 7. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy iron tiger eye from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every iron tiger eye for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Iron tiger eye is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.