Magnesite, Natural, Smooth Round Beads, One 8mm Strand

Magnesite, Natural, Smooth Round Beads, 8mm. 

This price is for one bead strand 15 to 16 inches long. 

8mm bead strands have 43 to 48 beads.

Magnesite is named for its principal component of magnesium and it is in the calcite group of minerals. Natural Magnesite is usually chalky white, but can also be found in gray, brown, yellow, orange, and pale pink and transparent, which is very rare. The natural luster of Magnesite is dull with a matte surface. When cut and polished into beads, it features a dark thread of veins or a web-like matrix across its surface, making it an attractive stone to use. 

However, this is a porous stone that can be easily dyed to create bold and vibrant colors. It is often dyed to a turquoise color, because with its dark veining, it very closely resembles Turquoise. Unfortunately, some have passed off dyed Magnesite as Turquoise. Many times, it is difficult to tell the difference. The best thing is to know and trust your vendors.  Magnesite and Turquoise have a difference in their hardness and Turquoise is harder. Also, if the price is too low, then it may not be turquoise. You can also look for color inconsistencies where the dye has collected in the natural cracks of the stone.

Magnesite is mined from many sources across the United States, Europe, Africa, Brazil, Australia, and China.

Hardness 3.5–5

This is a natural stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling, and polishing.

The source of these beads is Brazil and they are cut, drilled and polished in China.