This sterling-cored bead is made from the Amethyst Vein at the Last Chance Mine in Creede, Colorado. Mine owner, Jack Morris purchased the mine after being closed for nearly 50 years, and restored mine buildings, preserving the mine's history. This is the only working resource for this beautiful stone, said to be "the most distinctive mill-run ore ever mined". The matrix is pastel-colored banded agate with amethyst, and it may contain native silver, galena and argentite. 
This bead is now available in our newest size and shape: The Marblettes M16!!