Sculpture & Aesthetics
There is something about a raven skull's profile that we never tire of: the rounded crown giving way to that long, pointed beak. It is such a spare shape, yet it has all the character we could ask for. We like it among stones and other small curiosities, where its silhouette catches the eye before you have even noticed the details.
That outline gets a great deal of our attention in the carving. The taper of the beak, the hollow around the eye, and the fine separation between upper and lower beak all need to work together. Natural markings travel along the polished surface, sometimes drawing your eye right out to the tip. It is a form we enjoy turning over and looking at from the side—a small object with a wonderfully distinctive face.
Tiger Iron
Tiger Iron is a banded rock combining chatoyant tiger-eye quartz with iron-rich bands and other silica-rich layers. Golden, bronze and dark gray to black areas create a strong striped pattern; some pieces also contain red-brown layers. The width and curvature of the bands, together with the direction of the moving light effect, give each cut its own appearance.
I believe in tiger iron’s energy of grounding, endurance, and determination. It is a stone I would choose for a long undertaking, with the intention of holding my ground and seeing the work through.
Details & Care
Material properties
- Hardness & Specific Gravity
- Mohs: approximately 5–7, depending on constituent bands. Specific gravity: variable with mineral proportions; no single value applies to all pieces.
Natural Variation & Care
Natural veils, inclusions and variations in color are part of the material’s character. Appearance may vary with lighting and screen settings.
Dust with a soft cloth or brush. When needed, wipe briefly with lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry completely. Avoid acids, bleach, abrasives, prolonged soaking, steam, ultrasonic cleaning, sudden temperature changes and hard impacts.
When worn, use a strong cord appropriate for the sculpture’s weight and inspect both the cord and drilled opening regularly. Protect the long beak from knocks, pressure, and sudden movement, and do not lift or pull the carving by the beak.
Shipping & Returns
Each piece is carefully packed to protect its carved surfaces during transit.