XL Mugglestone Tiger Iron 'Jupiter Jasper' Sphere - 152mm, 7660g

Locality – Northern Cape, South Africa
Size – 152mm
Weight – 7660g

This rare, unique and extra large tiger iron sphere features deep red jasper stripes running across a shining, metallic matrix of hematite with a brown-yellow jasper 'eye' on one face. It is a colossal sphere measuring over 150mm in diameter and weighing in at a mammoth 7.66kgs, making this an impressive display specimen and ideal for use as a collection centerpiece. A one-of-a-kind treasure crafted by expert South African lapidary artists from a large, high-grade rough stone, this is a truly exceptional piece that will not be matched in size or quality again.

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, with 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, though 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 Mr and Mrs Muggle. It is speculated by some to be a type of stromatolite; a layered formation of fossilized algae and sediment.