Strand of faceted round beads 3 mm in natural gray agate

A strand of about 38 cm of 3 mm faceted round beads in gray agate. The small facets catch the light and give this understated gray a crisp sparkle that makes a fine strand shimmer.

Features:

• Stone: natural gray agate
• Shape: faceted round
• Size: about 3 mm
• Hole: about 0.5 mm
• Strand length: about 38 cm
• Quantity: about 120 beads per strand
• Color: gray

The 3 mm faceted beads are ideal for delicate creations: fine bracelets, tassel earrings, layered strands, or embroidery. The hole is small, about 0.5 mm: use a 0.2 to 0.3 mm nylon thread or beading thread and a fine needle. The same gray agate is available in 3 mm polished round beads.

A little gemology: under the microscope, agate appears as an entanglement of quartz fibers so fine that they let a little light through: this is what gives the stone its waxy appearance and slight translucency. These fibers were deposited layer by layer from silica-rich solutions circulating in volcanic rocks. Their dense structure makes agate durable, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale: a valuable quality for a faceted bead, whose edges remain sharp with wear.

In lithotherapy: an anchoring stone, gray agate is associated with the root chakra. It is said to have a calming effect and to be conducive to concentration and a sense of security.

100% natural product: the size, shape, shade, and number of beads may vary slightly from one strand to another. Dimensions and quantities are given for guidance only.