MJ Arsenal Ruby Terp Pearls (6mm)

Terp pearls – also called terp balls or terp marbles – are a unique and beautiful addition to any dab rig. And, unlike most pearls, our ruby-colored pearls are made from lab-grown synthetic ruby. 

The process of creating terp pearls goes a little like this: Get Your Jammer Mini Dab Rig Today

1. It starts with growing synthetic ruby gems under tightly controlled lab conditions
2. Once enough of the mineral has formed into the shape of a small marble, the handler forms the ruby into tiny beads
3. When the beads are exactly the right 6mm diameter, they are heated and cooled in a kiln, giving the ruby a distinctive pearl-like appearance

Of course, these ruby pearls are not just beautiful: Ruby is a more durable material, so these pearls will last longer than borosilicate ones. Synthetic ruby is also a fantastic conductor of heat, giving you better heat retention and a bigger surface area for your dabs.

"Terp" comes from "terpenes," which are the compounds that give plants their distinctive flavor and aroma. Similarly, "pearl" comes from the marble-shaped 6mm ball that is designed to help you vaporize your oil more evenly — making each hit more powerful and flavorful. 

Since terp pearls are designed to help you taste and smell your dab more accurately, they are appropriately named after these important compounds.

Pearls improve heat retention and surface coverage, which means that you can take bigger dabs for longer at lower temperatures. This prevents sensitive terpenes from boiling off, which is often a sacrifice you make when you dab at high temperatures.

Standard quartz buckets are our go-to suggestion because they’re smaller, easier to handle, and a lot less expensive (so they’re also the way to go if you’re on a budget).

Because of its durability, quartz is also an excellent conductor and will help to keep your dab at a consistent temperature while also withstanding the highest of flames.

If you want an even larger surface area for big doses, we have large dab buckets made specifically with our terp pearls in mind. These quartz bangers have a large, flat-bottom ideal for holding more terp pearls – and the result is an even bigger surface area for your dab, meaning more vapor and flavor.

There are a few different types of carb caps that work well with pearls: The spinner carb cap and the bubble carb cap.

The spinner carb cap is the most popular option because it makes the pearls spin around inside the bucket, evenly distributes the heat, and maximizes the surface area of your bucket.

You can also use a bubble carb cap or a traditional cap with our pearls. While your pearls may not spin around, you'll still enjoy the benefit of increased surface area. (If you're using a bubble carb cap, ensure the holes are large enough to allow airflow and prevent clogging.)

Terp pearls are a great and inexpensive way to improve your dabbing experience. With them, you can enjoy more evenly distributed heat and smoother, tastier dabs by simply placing a few pearls in your banger or nail. 

Whether you’re new to the game or need a quick refresher, here’s a step-by-step guide to using your pearls:

Step #1. Add Pearls to a Cool Bucket

Start by adding a few pearls to your banger or nail. It's important to ensure that the bucket is cool before adding the pearls because you want everything to heat up simultaneously.

Step #2. Heat Normally

Once you've added the pearls to the bucket, heat your banger or nail as you normally would. The pearls will distribute the heat evenly, so you don't need to worry about heating them separately or heating the top of the bucket with a direct flame.

Step #3. Place Your Dab on the Pearls

Once your quartz banger or nail is hot, place your dab on the pearls. The increased surface area will help vaporize the dab more evenly, giving you a smoother hit. Place your carb cap over the top of the banger or nail to trap the vapor – and enjoy your dab!

Step #4. Allow the Rig to Cool, But Not Completely

After taking your dab, allow the rig to cool for a few minutes to give the pearls time to cool down enough for you to touch.

However, don't let the rig cool all the way: The pearls are much harder to remove and clean once the oil has solidified at room temperature.

This is often the hardest part of using terp pearls, so try setting a timer to remind yourself to remove the pearls while they're still warm so you can keep them clean for the next hit.

Clean your terp pearls after each use to remove residual oil on the surface of the pearls like this:

1. Soak them in isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes
2. Use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth to remove any remaining oil
3. Rinse the pearls with water and allow them to dry completely

But doing this after every session can be tedious, especially since your pearls get dirty with spent oil after every hit. 

An ISO Station is the perfect way to keep your pearls clean and ready for action: With a built-in isopropyl alcohol reservoir, you can quickly and easily clean your pearls between hits.

Terp pearls can last a long time with proper care as long as you clean them after each use with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residual oil. 

The biggest risk with your terp pearls is that, because they're so small and smooth, they can be easily lost, so be sure to keep your pearls in a safe place when you're not using them.

An official MJ Arsenal dab tray is a great place to start: With tall chambers for your banger and pearls, and a hanger for your dab tool, the tray provides a safe place for all your gear and accessories while giving you easy access during your sesh.

As leading experts in the glassware industry, we're eager to help you get started with your new pearls before you make the purchase to add them to your collection. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about these unique gems. 

(Don't see your question below? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.)

Do I Need Terp Pearls to Use a Dab Rig?

You don't need pearls to use a dab rig – but many people enjoy using them because they help keep the temperature consistent while also enhancing the dab's flavor. 

Without terp pearls, your dab will still vaporize, but the taste and quality may not be as good. By improving the surface area your dab comes into contact with, the pearls optimize the dabbing process and allow you to enjoy a better flavor and quality hit.

Do Terp Pearls Have Any Flavor?

Synthetic ruby is a type of lab-made mineral that is flavorless and inert, meaning it does not interact with the oils or concentrates being heated on it. This makes ruby a perfect material for those who want to enjoy the true taste of their concentrates.

How Many Types of Terp Pearls Are There?

Terp pearls are a great way to dress up any rig, and they come in a variety of colors and materials. The most common type of terp pearl is made from synthetic quartz, and these clear pearls are incredibly durable.

You can also find ruby terp pearls on the market made from lab-grown ruby gems. These pearls are a deep red color, which add some vibrant color to each dab sesh.

Another option is glass pearls, but these are less durable and more likely to break than the other two types — which is why we only use premium minerals in our 6mm ruby pearls.

Can I Store My Terp Pearls in the Fridge or Freezer?

If you're a fan of water-cooled rigs, you might be tempted to store your terp pearls in the fridge or freezer. 

However, this is not recommended. While they can tolerate cold temperatures, they become less effective when chilled, and you want to avoid thermal shock.

Store your pearls at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for the best results. If you're unhappy with your water cooling setup, go for a bigger one that can hold more water.

Do Terp Pearls Work With All Kinds of Concentrates?

Terp pearls work great with all kinds of concentrates, including live resin, budder, oil, and wax. No matter what type of concentrate you're using, pearls will help to improve your dabbing experience.

Dab pearls are particularly handy for concentrates that are hard to handle. For example, diamond sauce is a difficult concentrate to work with because it's so sticky, goopy, and inconsistent. Since terp pearls add surface area to your bucket, you'll have an easier time getting the sauce off your tool and into the bucket.

Can I Use Terp Pearls Without a Dab Rig?

Although you may have a prolific collection of glassware accessories, terp pearls are made specifically for use with dab rigs. The whole point of using pearls is to retain more heat and create a larger surface area inside your dab nail, so they won't do anything for you if you use a vape pen or other device.

What if My Terp Pearls Won't Spin?

If your pearls don't spin, there are a couple of things you can try.

1. Make sure to keep your bucket and spinner cap clean. If there's any residue or build-up on either of these pieces, it will prevent the pearls from spinning.
2. Purchase a smaller bucket to create more friction and make it easier for the pearls to spin.

Remember that spinning isn't the main goal — it's all about the improved surface area. Even if your pearls don't spin, they'll still help bring out the full terpene profile in your concentrates.