Banded iron formation (BIF)

3D Model

Locality: Pilbara, Australia

No.: 2114

Size: 11.6 x 9.6 x 2.6 cm

Formula: Hematite - Fe2O3; Magnetite - Fe3O4; Jasper - SiO2

Description: This is a Banded Iron Formation (BIF) ore specimen (polished on one side) from the Pilbara region (Australia). The vast majority of iron ore in the world is concentrated in these BIFs. No longer forming in nature, the origin of these banded iron formations has been the subject of questioning and debate for decades. BIFs tell us about the time in Earth’s history when oxygen levels were beginning to rise, and the planet was beginning to get itself ready for major life forms.

Tiger’s eye is a common name for a variety of Quartz which is chatoyant due to the subparallel intergrowth of Quartz and altered amphibole fibers that mostly is turned into limonite.

Website: http://geology.uaic.ro/muzee/mineralogie/

Concept & 3D-modelling by Andrei Ionut APOPEI