Our Materials

    Earth & Ocean

    A comprehensive guide to the precious stones and organic gems that form our collection. Discover the stories behind every bead.

    Obsidian
    Volcanic Glass

    Obsidian

    Obsidian is a glossy volcanic glass formed when lava cools so rapidly that crystals cannot form. Jet black, mahogany, snowflake, and rainbow sheen varieties exist, each with a high-polish mirror finish. It is a stone of truth and protection, born from the fire of the Earth and cooled into a sharp, reflective glass.

    Physical Characteristics

    FamilyVolcanic Glass
    FormulaAmorphous (70% or more SiO₂)
    Hardness5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale
    Crystal SystemAmorphous (Non-crystalline)
    TransparencyOpaque to translucent (thin edges)
    LustreVitreous (Glassy)
    Highly Valued Varieties
    Black ObsidianSnowflake ObsidianRainbow ObsidianGold Sheen Obsidian

    History & Culture

    Obsidian was one of the most important materials in pre-industrial history. Because it fractures with extremely sharp edges, it was used by ancient civilisations to create arrowheads, knives, and mirrors. The Aztecs used obsidian mirrors for divination, while the ancient Egyptians used it for ritual vessels and amulets.

    Symbolism & Beliefs

    Cultural and spiritual traditions — not scientifically proven

    • Protection & grounding
    • Truth & clarity
    • Emotional healing
    • Banishment of negativity
    • Inner strength

    In Jewellery

    Popular Uses
    • Statement jet-black beads
    • Masculine bracelets
    • Polished focal pendants
    • Protective amulets
    Care Tips
    • Handle with care; it is glass and can shatter if dropped
    • Clean with warm soapy water
    • Avoid sudden temperature changes
    "The deep, consistent black and high-mirror polish make obsidian a powerful 'anchor' for jewellery designs. It is lightweight and comfortable, with a sleek modern appeal."

    Major Sources

    MexicoUSAIcelandJapanTurkey

    Did You Know?

    Obsidian fractures into edges sharper than surgical steel—it is still used in some specialised scalpels for eye surgery today because it produces a cleaner cut and faster healing than metal blades.

    Reference Guide

    A Journey Through Earth's Treasures

    The Galaxy Beads collection is a curated archive of the Earth's most beautiful natural materials. This guide serves as a practical reference for jewellery makers and collectors, explaining the unique characteristics, origins, and families of the stones we carry.

    Natural Character

    Expect variations in colour, pattern, and inclusions.

    Authentic Materials

    We focus on genuine materials, natural character, and useful choices for makers.

    Makers' Choice

    Each stone is selected for its suitability in design.

    Gemstone Directory

    From common quartz to rare precious stones.

    42 Materials Listed
    Natural Gemstone

    Agate

    Known for its beautiful banding and variety of colours.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Amazonite

    Striking turquoise-green stone with a calming energy.

    Read Story
    Organic Gemstone

    Amber

    Warm, fossilised resin with ancient natural beauty.

    Read Story
    Quartz Family

    Amethyst

    Royal purple quartz in shades from lilac to deep grape.

    Read Story
    Quartz Family

    Ametrine

    A rare combination of amethyst and citrine in one stone.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Apatite

    Vibrant blues and greens that rival tropical waters.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Black Tourmaline

    Dense, protective black stone with a natural sheen.

    Read Story
    Jasper Family

    Bloodstone

    Deep green jasper with speckles of iron oxide red.

    Read Story
    Agate Family

    Botswana Agate

    Distinctive grey, pink, and brown banding patterns.

    Read Story
    Artisan Collection

    Carved Gemstones

    Artistically shaped stones in various motifs.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Charoite

    Unique swirl patterns of purple and lavender.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Cinnabar

    Historically prized for its deep, rich red hues.

    Read Story
    Organic Material

    Clam Shell

    Natural white and cream tones from the sea.

    Read Story
    Organic Gemstone

    Coral

    Organic gemstones in beautiful oranges, reds, and whites.

    Read Story
    Precious Stone

    Emerald

    The classic deep green precious stone of legends.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Fluorite

    Multi-coloured translucent stones in greens and purples.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Garnet

    Rich, wine-red stones with a classic timeless appeal.

    Read Story
    Quartz Family

    Herkimer Diamond Quartz

    Double-terminated quartz crystals with exceptional clarity.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Howlite

    Marble-like white stone with delicate grey veining.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Jade

    Symbolic and sturdy stone in various green and white hues.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Kyanite

    Beautiful bladed crystals in shades of deep blue.

    Read Story
    Metamorphic Rock

    Lapis Lazuli

    Royal blue stone flecked with golden pyrite.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Larimar

    Rare blue stone found only in the Caribbean.

    Read Story
    Volcanic Stone

    Lava

    Porous, volcanic stone perfect for diffusing essential oils.

    Read Story
    Jasper Family

    Mookaite

    Australian jasper with earthy reds, yellows, and purples.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Moonstone

    Ethereal stone with a mysterious play of light.

    Read Story
    Volcanic Glass

    Obsidian

    Glossy volcanic glass in jet black and sheen varieties.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Onyx

    Classic solid black stone with a high-polish finish.

    Read Story
    Man-made Stone

    Opalite

    Luminous, milky stone with a soft blue-glow.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Peridot

    Vibrant olive-green stones born from volcanic fire.

    Read Story
    Fossilized Wood

    Petrified Wood

    Ancient wood turned to stone over millions of years.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Pietersite

    Dynamic swirls of gold, blue, and rusty red.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Prehnite

    Soft, translucent green stone often with needle inclusions.

    Read Story
    Quartz Family

    Quartz

    The most versatile crystal family in many varieties.

    Read Story
    Jasper Family

    Red Jasper

    Deep earthy red stone known for its grounding look.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Rhodonite

    Rosy pink stone with contrasting black manganese veins.

    Read Story
    Precious Stone

    Ruby

    The king of precious stones in passionate red hues.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Rutilated Tourmaline

    Stones featuring delicate needle-like inclusions.

    Read Story
    Precious Stone

    Sapphire

    Classic blue precious stones of enduring beauty.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Tiger Eye

    Golden-brown stone with a striking cat's-eye sheen.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Tourmaline

    Stones that naturally occur in almost every colour.

    Read Story
    Natural Gemstone

    Turquoise

    Iconic blue-green stone prized for millennia.

    Read Story
    Ocean Treasures

    A Guide to Fine Pearls

    Pearls are nature's only organic gemstone formed within a living creature. Our selection includes three distinct varieties, each prized for its unique lustre, shape, and origin.

    Freshwater Pearls
    Read Story

    Natural pearls grown in mussels with unique shapes and colours.

    South Sea Cultured Pearls
    Read Story

    Large, high-lustre pearls from the warm South Seas.

    South Sea Shell Pearls
    Read Story

    Man-made pearls using oyster shells for perfect uniformity.

    Lustrous freshwater and South Sea pearls on soft fabric

    Ready to create?

    Now that you know your materials, find the perfect beads for your next masterpiece. Our full collection is waiting for your discovery.

    Buildy Logo
    Built with Buildy.ai