OVERSTOCK Opportunity! These dyed quartz gemstone beads came in the wrong shade and are being offered at over 60% the already low whoelsale pricing. Strung on 16 inch strands. The natural white quartz base is first treated with soda ash, then the blocks of material are stabilized with color resins from Europe. Skilled workers then turn the colored quartz into beads, stones and other parts of jewelry. Since each bead is the result of handcrafted lapidary work, you should still expect some natural variation in color and sizing.