Many beginners who want to try a long mala choose the smooth-fine 108 as their first pick. Can a cracked smooth-fine 108 still be saved? This question comes up a lot, so let's clear it up once and for all.
Handling small cracks
Small cracks can be saved. Small cracks on a 108 refer to fine fissures at the tip of a single bead or at the root of its ridges, usually caused by dryness or temperature changes. How to handle them: keep the whole mala well moisturized, place it in a sealed bag, and put a slightly damp cotton cloth inside. For cracked beads, handle and brush them more often so sweat and oils seep in, and the small cracks will gradually close through handling. Smooth-fine beads are small, so moisturizing needs extra care. Done properly, most small cracks can be saved.
Handling large cracks
Large cracks depend on the situation. If a single bead has a large, deep crack, you can have a professional repair it, or simply replace that bead. A 108 has many beads, so replacing one does not affect the whole mala. When handling it, do not use glue, do not soak it in water, and do not force it apart. Smooth-fine beads are small, so when replacing one, choose a bead with a similar look to keep the whole mala consistent. Handling a single bead with a large crack does not affect the overall breaking-in of the mala.
A smooth-fine 108 makes a good gift: elegant yet affordable, symbolizing completeness. Give it to a friend or classmate, and the thought is there without being so expensive that it becomes a burden.
Preventing cracks
Prevention is very important when it comes to cracking. Smooth-fine beads are small and more sensitive to dryness, and with 108 beads, the chance of cracking is higher. When you first get a new mala, let it dry slowly in the shade. When the environment is dry, seal the whole mala to retain moisture. In winter, protect it from temperature swings and store it properly. If prevention is done well, cracking will be rare. Can a cracked smooth-fine 108 still be saved? Small cracks can be closed through moisturizing and handling; large cracks can be fixed by replacing or repairing the bead. Most can be saved, so don't rush to throw it away.
A smooth-fine 108 is a good mala to handle with care. The color will even out naturally, and if you keep at it, the whole mala becomes a reflection of your effort. The more you handle it, the more you'll love it.
