My observation wasn't a guess, the beads more resemble tiger coral then any other coral to my eyes is all. Your one comment Jamey, that they don't look like any variety of coral is what I was focusing on.

Of course they don't look like apple coral because 1) the lack of any red color or even yellow.

Some/most tiger coral beads will have dark veins and even black veins...but not all beads. Looks like there are tiny 'flecks' of black on some of the beads

If they are tiger coral beads - if - then the beads are highly polished and also coated with thick layer of lacquer is why there is no spongy surface.