An elegant row of deep-black, softly glossy onyx beads – a calm, understated companion for practice and for wearing.
The stone of black onyx
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz), shown when polished as a deep, even black with a smooth lustre. The crystal-healing tradition knows it as a stone of perseverance and composure, said to help keep a level, down-to-earth outlook in tense moments. These are traditional ideas.
The 108-bead mala
A mala is the prayer strand of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, originally used to count mantras during meditation. Beyond the 108 beads, a larger guru bead closes the loop; it stands for wisdom, while the small cylinder above it represents emptiness. The beads pass one by one between the fingers as attention rests on the meaning and vibration of the words. Today many also wear a mala as a wrapped wrist accessory.
How to use it
The clean elegance of black onyx works well both in practice and worn. The longer, 42 cm strand can be used in the hand or wrapped around the wrist.
Material and craft
A 108-bead strand of natural gemstone beads, roughly 42 cm long. Because it is made of natural stone, every piece is unique: shade and veining may vary slightly.
Good to know
Wipe the stone with a soft cloth and lukewarm water; avoid prolonged direct sunlight and harsh chemicals. The meaning attached to it comes from tradition and makes no medical claim.