Quartz is one of the most abundant types of crystals in the world, and is part of the makeup of many other stones. Crystal Quartz can be transparent as glass, or have bubbles or slight variations within. Until the late 1500s, many believed these crystals were fossilized and unmelting ice. In fact, the word crystal comes from the Greek word 'krystallos', which means 'ice'. Historically, Crystal Quartz was believed to have potent warding properties by Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. The Ancient Japanese believed it was the breath of a white dragon and view it as a representation of perfection. These beads are small, round, and measure at 4mm.
Semi-precious stone beads are mined all over the world and then are usually cut in China. They will often be dyed or color-treated to enhance their appearance. We select the best quality semi-precious that is available, and try to avoid finishes that are not durable. It is best to assume that some semi-precious beads will fade over time.