This simply designed hand-crafted mala for meditation is made up of 108 knotted lava beads. With black coloration and a naturally pitted surface, lava beads look and feel wonderful on the hands as you use your mala during counting and meditation. This mala also contains a large Guru bead and a sienna brown tassel that creates a striking contrast against the beads' dark color.
- Meditation mala of lava beads
- Contains 108 knotted beads plus guru bead
- Mala strand is approximately 32 inches long
- Bead size: 6mm
- Tassel measures 4 inches long
- Individual lava beads are approximately 6 mm each
- Hand made in Bali, Indonesia
- For meditation use only, not recommended as a jewelry item
Handcrafted: Artistically created by hand where beauty and imperfections go together wonderfully. Please accept and appreciate minor imperfections and variations which are true characteristics of this craft.
design: A traditional 108-bead meditation mala of matte black lava stone, hand-knotted between each bead with natural cord and finished with a large guru bead and a flowing sienna-gold tassel.
size: Mala strand is approximately 32 inches long; individual lava beads are approximately 6mm; tassel measures approximately 4 inches long.
material: Lava stone (volcanic rock) beads, knotted cotton cord, guru bead, cotton tassel.
features: 108 hand-knotted lava beads, large guru bead, hand-tied knot between every bead, naturally pitted matte texture, sienna-gold tassel
care: Keep this mala dry and out of water, as lava stone is naturally porous and can absorb moisture, oils, and perfume over time.
disclaimer: As a handcrafted piece, slight variations in bead texture, coloration, and knotting are natural and part of its character.
Meaning & Intention
Lava stone begins as molten rock, forged in the earth's fire and cooled into solid form. In mala tradition, that origin story carries into the beads themselves — lava is seen as a stone of strength through transformation, a reminder that what has passed through intensity and change can settle into something solid and enduring.
The count of 108 is sacred across Hindu and Buddhist practice, echoing everything from the number of earthly desires to the sacred syllables believed to compose the universe. Moving bead by bead through all 108 is a physical way of completing a full cycle of practice, whether that practice is a mantra, a breath count, or simply a returning of attention.
The guru bead marks the point where the circle closes, traditionally understood as a bow of gratitude to one's teacher or to the practice itself. Here it sits above a tassel in warm sienna-gold, a soft contrast against the beads' deep black that echoes the fire held within the stone.
Held during seated meditation or worn draped over the hands while counting mantra repetitions, this mala offers a tactile anchor for the mind — something grounding to return to when thoughts begin to wander. Its weight and texture make it a natural companion for anyone building a steady meditation habit, one repetition, one breath, one bead at a time.
Essence & Elements
- Ideal For: Meditators and mala practitioners who want a grounding, texture-rich strand for daily mantra or breath counting
- Purpose: Meditation counting, mantra practice, mindfulness ritual, grounding practice
- Suggested Mantra: I am grounded and whole
- Intention: Grounding, Strength, Stability, Renewal
- Chakra Connection: Root Chakra (Muladhara)
- Gemstone: Lava Stone
Formed from cooled volcanic rock, lava stone carries an association with the earth's own fire and the strength that comes from moving through change. Its naturally porous, matte-black surface is often connected to the root chakra and to feelings of stability, making it a grounding companion for meditation practice.
Questions & Guidance
How many beads does this mala have?
This mala is made up of 108 hand-knotted lava beads plus one larger guru bead, the traditional count for a full mala.
How long is the mala?
The strand measures approximately 32 inches long, with 6mm lava beads and a 4-inch tassel.
Is this mala meant to be worn as jewelry?
It's designed for meditation use — holding, counting, and mantra practice — rather than everyday jewelry wear.
How do I use a mala during meditation?
Starting at the guru bead, move one bead between your fingers with each breath or mantra repetition, working your way around all 108 beads.
How do I care for lava stone beads?
Keep the mala dry and away from water, lotions, and perfume, since porous lava stone can absorb moisture and oils over time.
