An 8mm black lava bead strand from Lava Beads Australia costs $3.82 AUD and includes 46 beads on a 36 cm strand — enough for two standard adult diffuser bracelets. Choose 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm beads (or a ready-made stretch bracelet from $2.50 AUD), string them on elastic or leather cord, then add one or two drops of essential oil to the porous lava beads, not to the elastic. Free Australian shipping on orders over $15 AUD. Orders ship from the Gold Coast, Queensland, via Australia Post. Shop 8mm black lava beads.
Prices and stock in this guide were checked against the live catalogue. Questions? Call 0414 680 860, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AEST, or email admin@lavabeads.com.au.
What is a lava bead diffuser bracelet?
Lava beads are round beads cut from natural volcanic stone. The surface is porous, so a drop of essential oil soaks in and the scent is released while you wear the bracelet. Lava Beads Australia sells loose strands and singles for jewellery making, and a small range of ready-made stretch and braided bracelets. This guide is a practical buying and making reference — sizes, how many beads you need, how to apply oil, and how to look after the bracelet. It does not make health, medical or therapeutic claims.
Which bead size should you buy?
Sizes below are taken from the live product listings. Strand length and bead counts are as published on each product page. Hole size is about 1 mm on the standard strands, unless noted.
| Size | Beads per strand | Strand length | Hole | Price (AUD) | Stock when checked | Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 mm black | 89 | 38 cm | ~1 mm | $1.00 | In stock | Black Lava Beads 4mm |
| 6 mm black | 64 | 37 cm | ~1 mm | $3.45 | In stock | Lava Beads 6mm Black |
| 6 mm natural, uncoated | 60 | 37 cm | ~1 mm | $3.45 | In stock | Natural Lava Beads 6mm |
| 8 mm black (most popular) | 46 | 36 cm | ~1 mm | $3.82 | In stock | Lava Beads 8mm Black |
| 8 mm black, large hole | 51 | 36 cm | 2.5 mm | $4.64 | In stock | 8mm Black Hole 2.5mm |
| 8 mm natural, uncoated | 46 | 37 cm | ~1 mm | $3.65 | Low stock (1 when checked) | Natural Lava Beads 8mm |
| 10 mm natural, uncoated | 38 | 35 cm | ~1 mm | $3.95 | In stock | Natural Lava Beads 10mm Strand |
| 10 mm black | 38 | 35 cm | ~1 mm | $3.95 | Out of stock | Lava Beads 10mm Black |
| 12 mm black, large hole | 32 | 36 cm | 2.5 mm | $5.22 | Out of stock | 12mm Black Hole 2.5mm |
| 14 mm black | 28 | 36 cm | standard | $7.45 | Out of stock | Lava Beads 14mm Strand Black |
8 mm is the usual size for a standard adult aromatherapy bracelet on this site, and it is also the best-selling loose strand in the order history. 4 mm and 6 mm sit closer to the wrist and suit finer or wrap designs. 10 mm and above read as a bolder bracelet. Coloured 6 mm and 8 mm strands (for example teal 8 mm and multi-coloured 6 mm) are natural lava stone that has been dyed; the product pages state that the porous surface is retained. Many other colours were out of stock when this guide was checked.
Need one or two beads only, for a mixed design or a repair? Singles in stock when checked: 4 mm at $0.05, 6 mm at $0.08 and 8 mm at $0.11.
How many beads for a bracelet?
Measure your wrist with a tape, then add about 2 cm if you want a comfortable (not tight) stretch fit. Divide that length in millimetres by the bead size in millimetres. The figures below are a starting point only — bead size can vary slightly because these are natural stone, and the knot or clasp takes a little length too. The shop already notes that a standard 8 mm bracelet uses about 22 to 24 beads, depending on wrist size.
| Wrist | 4 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 cm | about 45 | about 30 | about 22–23 | about 18 |
| 18 cm | about 50 | about 33 | about 25 | about 20 |
| 20 cm | about 55 | about 37 | about 27–28 | about 22 |
Strand yield from the catalogue counts: one 4 mm strand (89 beads) is enough for two finer bracelets; a 6 mm black strand (64 beads) is roughly two to three; an 8 mm black strand (46 beads) is enough for two standard adult bracelets; a 10 mm strand (38 beads) is about two bolder bracelets.
Standard hole or 2.5 mm large hole?
Standard strands use a hole of about 1 mm, which suits elastic stretch cord, nylon thread and thin beading wire. The 8 mm large-hole strand (51 beads, 2.5 mm hole, $4.64 AUD, in stock when checked) is made for thicker leather, hemp, waxed cotton or multi-strand designs. In-stock leather cord includes 1 mm, 1.5 mm and 2 mm (the 2 mm cord needs the large-hole beads).
How to make a simple stretch diffuser bracelet
- Measure your wrist and add about 2 cm. Use the size table above to estimate the bead count.
- Cut a piece of stretch cord long enough to go around your wrist, plus extra for tying. In-stock options include 10 m clear crystal stretch string ($4.75 AUD) and black stretch 1.0 mm beading thread ($6.75 AUD).
- String the lava beads (and any gemstone beads you want to mix in). Keep the oil-absorbing lava beads where they will sit on the outside of the wrist if you plan to apply oil later.
- Tie a secure surgeon’s knot or similar, pull it snug, trim the ends, and slide the knot inside a bead hole if it will fit.
- Try the fit before you apply any oil.
If you would rather not make one, ready-made options in stock when this guide was checked include the 8 mm lava and gemstone stretch bracelet ($2.50 AUD, 15 in stock, inner diameter about 50–60 mm) and the lava and black agate stretch bracelet ($2.50 AUD). A braided 7 chakra bracelet is also in stock ($3.00 AUD) with an adjustable braided cord and 8 mm beads; it is a finished bracelet rather than a loose-bead project.
How to use essential oils on lava beads
Lava Beads Australia does not sell essential oils. Use an oil you already have, and follow the label on that bottle, including any advice about skin contact. The method below is about applying scent to the bead, not about treating a condition.
- Take the bracelet off.
- Put one or two drops of essential oil onto the lava bead itself — not onto the elastic, leather or metal findings.
- Give the oil a few minutes to soak into the porous surface before you wear the bracelet, so wet oil is less likely to transfer onto clothing or skin.
- When the scent fades, apply another drop. How long the scent lasts depends on the oil, how much you apply, and the bead. On this site, product pages and older articles give a range from several hours to a couple of days. Treat that as a guide, and reapply when you can no longer smell it.
People often choose familiar essential oil scents such as lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus. For a longer list of popular scents already published on this site, see Discover the best essential oils and scents for lava beads. This guide does not repeat claims about health, mood, sleep or healing.
Care
- Do not soak the bracelet in oil, water or cleaner, and do not saturate the elastic. Oil can weaken stretch cord over time.
- If a bead looks dusty, wipe the stone only with a dry or barely damp cloth, then let it dry before adding oil again.
- Store the bracelet dry, out of direct midday sun if you can, so the elastic lasts longer.
- Natural lava stone varies a little in shape and texture from bead to bead. That is expected.
- If the elastic loosens, restring it rather than stretching it harder.
Shipping, returns and how to buy
Australian orders over $15 AUD ship free. Under $15, Australia Post tracking and insurance is $5.65 AUD at checkout. International shipping is $30 AUD, or free on orders over $150 AUD. Dispatch is typically 1–2 business days from Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Pay at checkout with PayPal (PayPal account or the card options PayPal shows). Change-of-mind and damaged-item terms are on the returns policy (14 days from delivery) and the shipping policy.
Frequently asked questions
What size lava bead is best for a first bracelet?
8 mm is the usual starting size here: a $3.82 AUD strand has 46 beads, enough for two standard adult bracelets, and the hole is about 1 mm so it takes ordinary stretch cord. Measure your wrist if you are between sizes.
How many 8 mm beads do I need?
About 22 to 24 beads suits many adult wrists. Use the table above if your wrist is smaller or larger, and add a little length for the knot.
Can I use leather cord?
1 mm leather can pass through a standard hole. For 1.5 mm or 2 mm leather, use the 8 mm (or 12 mm, when in stock) large-hole beads with a 2.5 mm hole.
Do coloured lava beads still absorb oil?
The product pages for dyed strands state that the dyeing process does not seal the porous surface, so they can still be used as diffuser beads. Very light-coloured oils are less likely to stain a pale or brightly dyed bead.
Do you sell essential oils?
No. This shop sells beads, bracelets and jewellery-making supplies. Bring your own oil and apply it to the bead as described above.