Elastic bracelet with 17–20 12mm volcanic basalt beads, strung on high-strength elastic cord.
Piece details
| Mineral |
Volcanic basalt (solidified lava stone) |
| Bead size |
12 mm diameter (±0.5 mm) |
| Number of beads |
17–20 units depending on wrist size |
| Finish |
Natural porous surface, slightly matte |
| Hardness |
5–6 Mohs |
| Clasp |
No clasp — adjustable elastic cord |
| Origin |
Material purchased from wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
No treatment |
| Aromatic use |
Suitable for essential oils — apply 1-2 drops on the beads |
The beads in detail
The 12mm beads have a surface texture with variable-sized micropores, a direct result of the volcanic solidification process. Touching the surface reveals a slight roughness, different from the perfectly smooth finish of harder stones like quartz or garnet.
The black color remains uniform across almost all beads, with very subtle variations in the texture of the micropores — some beads show pores more concentrated in specific areas, creating a slightly different visual effect from bead to bead.
How lava stone is formed
Basalt is a fine-grained volcanic igneous rock that forms when lava ejected during an eruption cools quickly upon contact with air or water.
Volcanic stone in lapidary tradition
Basalt has been used by volcanic civilizations throughout history: Mesoamerican peoples carved metates and sculptures from basalt, and Polynesians used volcanic rock in construction and in rituals linked to fire deities. In Iceland and the Azores, lava stone has been a vernacular building material for centuries.
In crystal tradition, lava stone is associated with grounding, stability, and transformation — the transition from fire to solid as a metaphor for change that settles. This is shared as a cultural reference, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine lava stone
Genuine basalt has an irregularly porous surface texture that is clearly perceptible to the touch and under magnification. The color is deep black, not perfectly uniform — slight gray variations can be seen in areas with different mineral concentrations. It is significantly heavier than black plastic or synthetic ceramic foam.
Frequently asked questions
How are these beads used as an aromatic diffuser?
Apply 1–2 drops of essential oil directly onto 2–3 beads of the bracelet. The micropores of the basalt absorb the oil and release it slowly for 3–6 hours, depending on the oil's volatility and ambient temperature. To change aromas, wait for the previous oil to evaporate completely before applying another.
Does essential oil stain the bracelet?
Essential oils are absorbed by the pores and do not leave a visible stain on black basalt. However, oils with intense natural colorants (such as tea tree oil with chlorophyll) may leave a slight discoloration in very open pores.
Is this bracelet treated?
No detectable treatment. The black color comes from the original mineral composition of basalt (pyroxenes, magnetite), without dyeing or coating. Statement based on lapidary observation.
Is the bracelet one size fits all?
Yes. The elastic cord adapts to most wrist sizes (16–21 cm circumference). The number of beads varies between 17 and 20 units; the diameter of each bead is 12 mm ±0.5 mm.
Can the bracelet get wet?
Basalt withstands contact with water without issue. The elastic cord may deteriorate with prolonged or repeated immersion. We recommend removing the bracelet when swimming or showering.
How to clean the beads between aromatic uses?
To clean oil residues, rub the beads with a dry cloth or leave them outdoors in a sunny spot for several hours. The sun's heat accelerates the evaporation of residual oils.
See also: mineral bracelet collection · tumbled and natural stones.
