Raw Carnelian Crystal Tea Infuser

For the Fire Goddess — the one who takes her tea strong and her mornings slowly.

A hinged sphere of fine stainless mesh with a raw carnelian wire-wrapped and hung off the chain, so that when the ball goes down into the mug the stone stays out on the rim like a charm on a bracelet. Carnelian is the warm one — the orange of a struck match, of late sun on brick — and it counterweights the ball so the whole thing sits balanced against the side of the cup instead of sliding out of reach.

Load it with a spoonful or two of loose leaf, close the side hinge, and steep as long as your tea asks for. There is room inside for the leaves to open properly, which is more than most infusers allow. Afterward, hand wash and dry it thoroughly, keeping the wrapped stone out of standing water. Every stone is different, so yours will not look exactly like the one photographed.

304 stainless steel · infuser ball approximately 2 in across · carnelian approximately 1 in · chain approximately 3 in · holds 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf · hand wash only, not dishwasher safe · natural stone, so color and shape vary · Last one!