Beading Glossary - Letter M

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  

	Macrame  A technique of knotting cords that produces a rough lace-like fabric. Believed to be Arabic in origin. The basic knots are the half hitch, full hitch, square knot, and double half hitch. We have a tutorial to learn some of these knots in the context of hemp jewelry making.
	Malachite  Malachite is found alongside copper deposits, and is very similar to azurite, another secondary mineral of copper. Malachite is found in many places including the Ural Mountains, Israel, Congo, and the U.S. It forms when copper minerals reacts with carbonated water or limestone. Malachite is only found in shades of green and has a very obvious and unique look. More about Malachite
	Memory Wire  Memory wire holds its circular shape. Cut a length of it, string on some beads, and bend the ends in a loop. It should stay on your neck or wrist without a clasp. Comes in sizes to fit your neck, wrist, or even finger. Buy Bracelet Memory Wire
	Mohs Scale  Also known as the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, it was invented in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs. It is a way to rate the hardness of a gemstone or mineral as compared to other stones and minerals. The Mohs scale ranges from one to ten, one being the softest, ten being the hardest. Diamond, the hardest natural substance rates as a ten, while talc rates as a one. It should be noted that the Mohs scale does not deal with the absolute hardness of a substance, just it’s hardness as related to the ten readily available minerals Friedrich Mohs initially analyzed.
	Monofilament  Clear plastic thread used for fishing line. It is almost transparent and requires no needle, but is too easily stretched or cut to use for finished jewelry. It is useful for trying out designs.
	Mookaite  A form of jasper native to Australia. Also spelled Moukaite. Buy Moukaite Beads
	Morion  A variety of smoky quartz that is opaque and dark brown or black in color.
	Mosaic  An image or picture created by the arrangement of many separate and smaller colored pieces. Mosaic designs are often made of tiles, stones or glass beads set in mortar. A mosaic effect can be created using a pattern that emulates this type of art by using patches of different colors in a picture. Beaded "mosaic" artwork is created using bead looms, or specialized bead stitching techniques. You can find beaded "mosaics" in clothing, handbags, tapestries and many other types of accessories or décor.

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