Materials guide
General information to help you choose a misbaha (a string of prayer beads). The description on each piece’s own page is the reference.
Faturan and bakelite
What are they?
Manufactured phenolic resins, not natural stones. “Bakelite” is the common name for phenolic resin, and “faturan” is an old trade name for one formulation of it that became well known in misbaha making.
New-cast and old-cast
“New-cast” means the material was cast recently; it is the most widely available and the least expensive. Old pieces are rarer and dearer, and the word “old” counts for nothing without documentation.
What sets them apart?
Warm colours — maroon, apricot, rose — a smooth feel and a comfortable weight. The colour may darken gradually with use and exposure to light.
In the store
Some of the listed pieces are described by the store as “new-cast”; check each piece’s description. Browse the section
Pressed amber (kahrab) and natural amber (kahraman)
Two materials that differ in price and value; they should not be confused.
| Point of comparison | Pressed amber (kahrab) | Natural amber (kahraman) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Amber pieces and filings pressed together again under heat | Fossilised tree resin; the beads are turned from the raw piece |
| Appearance | More uniform colour and swirls | Natural variation from bead to bead |
| Price | Mid-range | Clearly higher, rising with weight and rarity |
| Documentation | The description states that it is “pressed” | Written documentation is requested at purchase |
If a piece’s description does not state its classification, no classification is shown on its page. Ask the store before buying. Browse the amber section
Bead shapes and sizes
Round
The classic shape. Its size is written as a single number, the diameter — for example 12 mm.
Barrel
Longer than it is wide, and more noticeable in the hand. Its size is written as two numbers such as 10/12: the width, then the length, in millimetres.
Parts of a misbaha
The imam bead (the head bead, also called the “minaret”) sits at the head of the misbaha, the separators (marker beads) divide the beads, and the tassel or tamlika (a finial) finishes it.
Common bead counts
Light and everyday
The most common for everyday carrying; the round is repeated three times to complete 99.
In between
Counts common in Turkish turning (lathe work), with larger beads and more presence in the hand.
The full count
Longer and heavier, usually with smaller beads, and divided by two separators into three sections.
Care and storage
Cleaning
- Wipe the beads with a soft, dry cotton cloth.
- Avoid alcohol, sanitisers and perfume; they damage the surface of resin and amber.
Storage
- Keep each misbaha on its own, or in an organizer with compartments, so that it does not rub against others.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and the heat of a car.