Pema Raka Blood Lotus Bead - Crystalline Carnelian

• The Tibetan term Pema Raka translates to Red Lotus or Blood Lotus, from the Sanskrit words padma (lotus flower) and rakta (red/blood). These rare ancient Carnelians are among Tibet's most prized stones, carried for centuries as amulets of protection, vitality, and spiritual strength.
• Believed to originate in the Indus Valley, Pema Raka beads made their way into Tibet along trade routes like the Silk Road. Over the years they were collected, treasured, and passed down through generations. Their name reflects both their radiant Carnelian hues and their sacred lotus flower symbolism.
• This bead was sourced from a trusted Tibetan artifact collector we've worked with for years. He acquired a small strand in Kathmandu in the 1990s, and we hand-selected two of our favorite beads from it to share with the DharmaShop community.

This bead displays a deep Carnelian tone with dramatic crystalline banding across its surface, creating some striking white contrast. Centuries of handling have softened the bead while leaving behind visible chips and cracks that highlight its authenticity but don't affect the beads structure. These marks of age enhance its beauty, as its full of strength and history.

Highly prized in Tibetan culture, Pema Raka Carnelian stones were valued not only for their beauty but also used in traditional practices — with chips sometimes incorporated into Tibetan medicine. The signs of age and wear on each bead are considered auspicious, showing that these pieces have been handled, loved, and carried through centuries.

This bead is pictured on an adjustable sterling silver chain but can also be strung on vegan leather cord, or on a mala necklace or bracelet using materials seen on our website. Feel free to contact us about our options!

Details:

Bead is ~25mm long and ~15mm wide.

Adjustable chain measures approximately 22" and can be tightened as desired.