Tiger's Eye Polished Beads MATTER COLLECTION

A strand of polished Tiger's Eye stone beads.

This striking gemstone is known for its rich golden-brown color and the shimmering band of light that moves across the surface when the stone is turned, a visual effect known as Chatoyancy or “cat’s-eye.”

Tiger’s Eye is a variety of quartz that forms when silica gradually replaces fibrous crocidolite, preserving the fibrous structure and creating the characteristic silky luster. Major sources include South Africa and Australia.

Polished beads such as these are popular for jewelry making, decorative displays, and collecting because of their dramatic color contrast and reflective banding.

Modern polished stone specimens.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.