Magnesite is a mined stone that generally begins in a cream or white color before being enhanced with dye. Magnesite is short for magnesium carbonate, and is famous for its dye-able and carving qualities. These beads were mined, dyed and carved in East Asia.These beads measure from 14mm to 15mm in diameter by 2mm to 3mm thick. The hole size measures about .5mm to 1mm. The strands measure from 9.5" to 9" inches long and there are approximately 80 beads on a strand.All photos have been taken indoors with daylight bulbs, but as always, computer and mobile screens display colors differently.