These 8" plates are made from "Bird's Eye Maple" (this one is most likely Acer saccharum or sugar maple). Bird's Eye Maple is a distinctive pattern that resembles tiny, swirling eyes disrupting the smooth lines of grain. It is not known what causes the phenomenon. Research into the cultivation of bird's eye maple has so far discounted the theories that it is caused by pecking birds deforming the wood grain or that an infecting fungus makes it twist. However, no one has demonstrated a complete understanding of any combination of climate, soil, tree variety, insects, viruses or genetic mutation that may produce the effect.~wikipedia.com

Items made with this wood tend to be more expensive not only because the wood is more rare and more sought after but because it is harder to work with.