This warming and soothing Japa Mala is handmade in Buddhist tradition. Slightly fragrant Sandalwood, hand carved in the holy city of Vrindavan, India, vibrant Turquoise nuggets and Smoky Quartz beads (108 - 8mm) are strung on a sturdy cord using knots between each bead for added security and a nice flow in the hand. This pleasant to touch, lightweight Mala is finished with a larger 'Phoenix Eye' Bodhi seed guru bead and a handmade cotton tassel. *****PLEASE NOTE*****Turquoise nuggets will be picked randomly and will vary in colors and patterns - which makes every piece unique****** Buddhist Mala usually consists of 108 counting beads with three marker beads spaced at 21, 54 and 87 places from the Guru bead. The marker beads are used to mark your place when reciting mantras in smaller sections, or as a gentle reminder to bring your focus back if it happens to wander. Great gift for yogi or a meditator..! Comes in gift-wrapped and ready for giving or treating yourself. *** Soothing and fragrant Sandalwood is very common in traditional mala making. It attracts positive energy, clears perception and promotes tranquility. Bodhi beads are traditional Buddhist prayer items as well - they signify Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Turquoise meaning embodies power, wisdom, luck, protection and immortality. Honored by native Americans as a sacred stone, Turquoise absorbs negativity, transmuting it into useful energy. If given by a loving friend, that stone would protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good fortune - Turquoise is the symbol of friendship. It is also a stone of self realization helping you to better understand yourself, your ideas and emotions. It helps to align all chakras, creating a clear channel for the nurturing and creative energy. *** Before shipping, all our malas and necklaces are cleansed with the smudge of sage to remove accumulated energies in the stones. They are ready to be charged with your own intentions. Enjoy it!