Despite their similar appearance to borosilicate glass, terp pearls are made of quartz. 

Terp pearls are created by forming the quartz into tiny beads which are then heated and cooled in a kiln. This process creates the distinctive pearl-like appearance of terp pearls.

However, terp pearls are one of the newest innovations in dabbing culture. They have been around for a few years, but have only recently become a popular way to enjoy dabs. As users become more knowledgeable and sophisticated in their dabbing techniques, they seek ways to improve the experience – and terp pearls get the job done.

The term "terp pearl" comes from the word "terpenes." 

Terpenes are a class of organic compounds responsible for the distinct flavors and aromas of many plants and fruits. In your concentrates, terpenes can enhance the flavor and smell of the final product. So, terp pearls bring out the flavor of the terpenes in your oil.

The pearls themselves (sometimes also called “terp balls”) are made of quartz for a very specific reason: Quartz is an inert, flavorless material, so the pearls will not add any flavor of their own to your hits. 

But they will help to bring out the flavors of your concentrates and make them more pronounced.

There are different types of terp pearls available on the market today: The transparent quartz variety is the most common type and is made from synthetic quartz. Quartz terp pearls are highly durable and can be used in various applications.

Another type of terp pearl is the ruby terp pearl, made from lab-grown ruby gems. Ruby dab pearls are also quite durable and can be used in just the same ways – but, because of their deep red color, they add a bit of extra beauty. 

You should always avoid glass pearls since they're not as durable as the quartz, and are therefore more likely to break.

When picking a dab bucket for terp pearls, you have two main options: A standard bucket or a large bucket. Both work, but there are key differences:

• A standard bucket will spin your terp pearls more quickly, making it easier to get an even coating
• A large bucket is better at retaining heat, which is helpful for larger doses

In the end, it's up to you which bucket you choose. If you want more control over the process, go with a standard bucket. If you want your terp pearls to stay warmer for longer, then a large bucket is the better option.

To make your pearls spin, you'll need a carb cap. 

A carb cap is a small, round-lidded disc that fits snugly over the top of your quartz banger. It has a hole in the center so you can still hit your dab without falling through, allowing you to restrict airflow and build up pressure inside the banger. 

The carb cap also has a small opening at the top called the carb. That’s how you control the airflow to your banger.

With the right airflow, you can make your pearls spin around the inside of the bucket. This isn't just a cool effect — it also vaporizes your dab more evenly. Spinning the pearls ensures that the concentrate comes into contact with the hot surface of the banger. 

This means that you'll get a better hit with less waste.

Using your Terp Pearls is easy — it's just a quick extra step before you take your dab:

1. Drop your terp pearls into your favorite bucket
2. Distribute heat around your nail or quartz banger until it’s red-hot
3. Place the dome over the nail or banger
4. Start taking dabs!

The terp pearls will ensure even heat distribution, giving you more control over your dab. When you’re finished, let the rig cool down before removing the terp pearls.

If your terp pearls don't spin, don't worry — they'll still help you enjoy more flavor. 

Still, it’s helpful to know that pearls won't spin if you pull too gently or too hard. They also might not spin if you're using a very large bucket. If you want to enhance the spin, try using fewer dab pearls, a smaller bucket, or different carb caps.

Your pearls will be covered in sticky oil residue after just one use, so it’s important to keep them clean. Remove the pearls from your rig as soon as it's cool enough to touch. Once the oil dries, it's much harder to remove - so don't wait until the oil has cooled back into a solid form.

The best way to clean your terp pearls is to soak them in isopropyl alcohol for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse them with water. You can also use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to scrub away any stubborn residue. 

But since you need to clean your pearls after each dab, an ISO station is a must-have for any dab pearl user. This small container is immensely helpful for daily cleaning, allowing you to fill it with isopropyl alcohol so you can leave your pearls soaking in between uses.

It's important to store your terp pearls safely so you don't lose them. Our terp pearls are just 6mm in diameter, so even the most careful user can accidentally lose track of them if they don't exercise proper storage practices.

We recommend storing terp pearls in a storage pouch or keeping all of your accessories together in a dab tray. 

You can also store your pearls in an old dab jar or silicone storage container. These are great because they're the right size – plus, most dab users have lots of them sitting around.

Another popular way to store them is in a small container filled with isopropyl alcohol. This will keep them clean and free of residue between uses. If you have a miniature Tupperware tub you can spare for this purpose, you can stash it away with your dab rig without worrying about spillage.

As leading experts in the dab rig industry, we get a lot of questions about terp pearls. So, we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you get started. 

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

Do I Need Quartz Terp Pearls to Use a Dab Rig?

You don't need terp pearls to use a dab rig – but using one can enhance your dabbing experience in several ways:

• They improve your concentrates' flavor by bringing out the terpene
• They evenly distribute heat, leading to more consistent and potent hits
• They keep your oil from flowing into your water chamber, improving the overall function of your rig

Dabbing without the best terp pearls is perfectly fine, but many users find that the pearls enhance the experience. If you're looking to take your dabbing to the next level, then terp pearls are a great way to do it.

Do Quartz Terp Pearls Change the Taste of Dabs?

No, terp pearls do not change the taste of your dab. In fact, they can actually improve the flavor of your concentrate because they help to vaporize the oil evenly. This allows you to enjoy all of the terpenes and flavors that your concentrate has to offer.

Since your pearls go directly into the dab bucket, you want to ensure that they're made of materials that aren't prone to off-gassing or leaching. Our products are only made of synthetic quartz and ruby to make our terp pearls because these inert materials tolerate extreme temperatures without breaking down or deforming. 

Can I Chill or Refrigerate My Quartz Terp Pearls?

Freezer-cooling is a popular method for some water pipes, but it doesn't work well with dab rigs and their accessories.

While your terp pearls themselves can tolerate cold temperatures, they become less effective when chilled. Instead, store your pearls at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for the best results.

Can I Use Quartz Terp Pearls With Other Kinds of Pipes?

You can use terp pearls with other kinds of pipes. 

While they may not be as effective as when used with dab rigs, they can still cool your smoke and make it more enjoyable. If you're using them with a bong or other water pipe, just add more water than usual. But keep in mind that there's no good way to dab with them without a rig and bucket.

Do Quartz Terp Pearls Work With All Kinds of Concentrates?

Terp pearls work with all kinds of concentrates – in fact, they're particularly handy for sticky concentrates that are difficult to work with. 

When you touch your dab tool to the pearls, the concentrate will easily go into your banger. Terp pearls can even make powdery concentrates easier to use in your dab rig. 

Typically, crumble or sand is difficult to dab because it's so small that you suck it into the downstem. Adding terp pearls to the mix will keep the powdery bits in your banger, so you can enjoy your dab without losing most of it in the water chamber.

Do I Need to Replace Quartz Terp Pearls Periodically?

You don't need to replace terp pearls unless you lose them. That's why we recommend using a storage pouch or dab tray to keep track of your pearls. Other than that, you can use them indefinitely – just make sure to clean them after every use.

If your pearls start getting funky, you likely aren't cleaning them enough after every dab. While you can get by without cleaning your dab rig after every session, the same doesn't apply to your terp pearls. If you don't clean them, the residual concentrate will build up and affect their heat retention properties.