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Lot 258
Tiger Iron Matrix Sphere
7 December 2016, 10:00 PST
Los AngelesSold for US$2,750 inc. premium
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Tiger Iron Matrix Sphere
Western Australia
Tiger's eye matrix is a fascinating "combination" mineral whose origins date back over two billion years ago. When tectonic plates shifted to form the Australian continent, deposits of red jasper, chatoyant tiger's eye and black hematite were forced together under great pressure. The ancient ornamental gemstone, sometimes called tiger's eye matrix, is the fascinating product of these monumental geologic events. Because the physical properties of each of the three minerals differ so greatly, only an experienced lapidary has the ability to work this material. The tiger iron used in the present lot is of exceptional quality, displaying flashing veins of golden-toned tiger's eye, red jasper of a saturated rust-red hue and metallic black hematite. Diameter 6 3/4in
Tiger's eye matrix is a fascinating "combination" mineral whose origins date back over two billion years ago. When tectonic plates shifted to form the Australian continent, deposits of red jasper, chatoyant tiger's eye and black hematite were forced together under great pressure. The ancient ornamental gemstone, sometimes called tiger's eye matrix, is the fascinating product of these monumental geologic events. Because the physical properties of each of the three minerals differ so greatly, only an experienced lapidary has the ability to work this material. The tiger iron used in the present lot is of exceptional quality, displaying flashing veins of golden-toned tiger's eye, red jasper of a saturated rust-red hue and metallic black hematite. Diameter 6 3/4in

