Forte Bead - Manmade Lapis - Sold Individually

• Sold Individually
• Also known as Pony Beads, Forte Beads are a 5x7mm bead that is rectangular in shape with rounded edges, almost like a rondel or heishi. They have a larger hole of 2.5mm, allowing for you to use many kinds of stringing materials. Our favorite cords to use is our pre-made bracelet and necklace nylon cords, they have finished ends so it makes it super simple to string on your forte beads and go! Another one of our favorite cords to use is our 1.5mm Nylon cords. We have all kinds of colors to choose from to match your style.
• What is it: Lapis lazuli, or just lapis, is a deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized for thousands of years for its intense color. 
• History: The first known mining for lapis occurred in the Badakhshan Province of northeastern Afghanistan as early as 7000 BC. The lapis was used to make beads, small jewelry items, and small sculptures. These have been found at Neolithic archaeological sites dating back to about 3000 BC in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Around this time, Lapis lazuli was greatly admired and valued higher than gold. When grounded to a fine powder and added to paint, it created the color Ultramarine Blue,which was used in some of the most beautiful and famous paintings in history.
• Metaphysical Properties:  Lapis Lazuli is often referred as the “Stone of the Heaven”. Lapis Lazuli is the ancient stone of mental and psychological health​.

Because gemstones are natural materials, appearances may vary from bead to bead.