Bonhams 1793 : Tiger Iron Matrix Sphere

Western Australia
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 and beautiful 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 present sphere exhibits predominantly the chatoyant tiger's eye and the black hematite only.
Diameter 4.5in

Sold for US$ 463 inc. premium