Stones Stones Stone is a popular word including both minerals and rocks.
Lapis lazuli is one of the few important rocks for beads.
Identifying minerals is an important first step when trying to figure out what beads you have. In addition to color and luster, the most important easy test to do with minerals is to determine their hardness . One must also be aware that many stones, especially quartz minerals are often altered . Also keep in mind that there are conflicting names or definitions used for stones, one of the most complex being onyx . Many metal beads are made from minerals, including gold .