Will sun exposure change the color? Effects of light on Rudraksha (large). Some people place their mala on the windowsill to sunbathe, thinking it looks better after sunning. Will sun exposure change the color? To be honest, yes, but the change isn't necessarily a good color. Let me clarify the effects of light exposure.

Changes from sun exposure

Changes from sun exposure: When a mala is sunned, moisture is lost, the surface dries out, and the color appears lighter and paler; with prolonged sunning, the surface can crack and the mala suffers serious damage. Sunning is not coloring—it's damaging the color. Don't sun your mala.

Effects of light

Effects of light: Under natural light, the color of a mala looks different than under artificial light—that's an effect of the lighting, not a change in the mala itself; with prolonged exposure, the surface oxidizes excessively, the color becomes dry and pale, losing its oily luster. You need to distinguish the effects of light: looking good under light doesn't mean the mala is in good condition.

How to view light exposure

How to view light exposure: A mala develops color through breaking-in (patina process), not through sunning; when storing a mala, keep it away from light, don't place it on a windowsill; when photographing a mala, natural light is the most truthful. Will sun exposure change the color? Effects of light on Rudraksha (large): Sunning will make it dry and pale—that's not a good change. Color develops through breaking-in, store away from light, and photograph under natural light.

The beauty of a mala comes from breaking-in, not from sunning. Store it away from light and break it in diligently—only then will the color be true and the effect translucent.