| Opaque |
Light cannot pass through it. |
| Transparent |
Light can pass through it. Often referred to as glass. |
| Translucent |
Allows partial transmission of light through it. |
| Matte |
Dull appearance. Achieved by tumbling beads or dipping them in a glass etching solution. |
| Silver Lined |
Mirror-like finish inside the bead which adds sparkle to it. |
| Color Lined |
Usually seen in a two-color mix with an opaque color inside of a transparent bead. |
| Luster |
Very shiny finish which covers the entire outer layer of the bead. |
| Ceylon |
Translucent bead with a luster finish. |
| Dyed |
A process of surface color dying often seen in Japanese beads. Color will come off if not protected. Clear spray paint may be used. |
| Metallic |
Bead surface has a fired-on, metal-like finish which adds shine to it. |
| AB (Aurora Borealis) |
A rainbow-like surface which has been fired onto the bead. |
