This 10 gross package of 16ss (3.8mm-4.0mm) Swarovski® 2078 Xirius Rose hotfix rhinestones in Crystal AB are mid-sized stones finished with an aurora borealis (AB) coating over a clear Crystal base. The AB coating throws a shifting rainbow shimmer that adds color play and dimension under stage and event lighting. The heat-activated backing sets cleanly with an iron or a BeJeweler® applicator. At 16ss, this is a workhorse size for general coverage, fill, and accent work on costumes and performance garments.
Best for: general coverage, fill between larger accent stones, and all-over sparkle on dance costumes, skating dresses, cheer uniforms, pageant pieces, bridal, and western wear.
Why You'll Love Them
- Color: Crystal AB, clear with a luminous rainbow AB finish that shifts beautifully under stage and event lighting.
- Size: 16ss (3.8mm-4.0mm), a mid-sized stone that balances visibility and coverage. Large enough to read individually, small enough for broad, all-over application.
- Hotfix application: heat-activated adhesive already on the back, no separate glue needed.
- Sold in bulk: 10 gross (1,440 pieces) per order. At roughly 42 stones per square inch for solid coverage, 10 gross covers a significant area.
- Genuine Swarovski® Xirius Rose cut for consistent size, shape, and sparkle stone to stone.
What Is AB?
AB stands for aurora borealis, an iridescent coating applied over the Crystal base that reflects a shifting rainbow spectrum. Standard colored rhinestones use colored crystal raw material; Crystal AB starts with a clear stone and adds the AB coating on top for extra dimension. The result is bright sparkle with rainbow color play that works with any design palette and reads beautifully under stage lighting.
Size Reference
16ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.8mm to 4.0mm. This mid-sized stone is one of the most popular fill sizes for costumes, sitting between the small accent sizes (10ss, 12ss) and the go-to all-purpose 20ss. Many designers use 16ss as the secondary fill around a 20ss base, with 30ss or 34ss for bold accents. For solid coverage at 16ss, plan on roughly 42 stones per square inch. To compare sizes, see our rhinestone size chart with ss, mm, and inches.
Please plan ahead: Rhinestones Unlimited and Swarovski® offer minimal inventory in the U.S. Please plan for 2-3 weeks before we ship if ordering more than 1-2 packages.
If the brand name is not important to you, check out MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa® for a comparable, and often considered arguably more brilliant, crystal that is in stock and ready to ship. See our full Swarovski vs. MAXIMA comparison.
Sold In
- 10 gross (1,440 pieces)
Full Crystal Size Reference Guide
| Stone Size (ss) | Size (mm) | Common Name | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6ss | 1.9mm-2.1mm | Extra Small | Detailed transfer work, fine lines and serifs |
| 8ss | 2.3mm-2.5mm | Extra Small | Small lettering, fine transfer detail |
| 10ss | 2.7mm-2.9mm | Small | Outlines, fine accents |
| 12ss | 3.0mm-3.2mm | Small | Outlines, accents |
| 16ss | 3.8mm-4.0mm | Mid-Sized | General coverage |
| 20ss | 4.6mm-4.8mm | Most Popular | Dance and costume use |
| 30ss | 6.32mm-6.5mm | Large | Bold accents |
| 34ss | 7.06mm-7.27mm | Extra Large | Statement pieces |
| 40ss | 8.41mm-8.67mm | Oversized | Maximum sparkle and drama |
| 48ss | 10.91mm-11.30mm | Oversized | Maximum sparkle and drama |
FAQ
What color is Crystal AB in rhinestones?
Crystal AB is a clear stone finished with an aurora borealis coating that throws a shifting rainbow shimmer as it catches light. It is different from plain Crystal, which has no coating and appears completely clear and colorless.
What is 16ss in millimeters?
16ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.8mm to 4.0mm.
How many 16ss rhinestones do I need for solid coverage?
For solid coverage at 16ss, plan on roughly 42 stones per square inch. Measure the area you want to cover in square inches, multiply by 42, and divide by 144 to convert to gross. Round up so you do not run short. Check the size chart and estimating guide for a full breakdown.
What is the difference between hotfix and non-hotfix rhinestones?
Hotfix rhinestones have a heat-activated adhesive already on the back, set with an iron or a BeJeweler® applicator. Non-hotfix (flatback) rhinestones have no backing adhesive, so you set them with a fabric or craft glue and a pickup tool. Hotfix suits fabric that tolerates heat and garments washed often; flatback suits delicate materials and non-fabric surfaces.
Browse our full Swarovski crystal collection for more colors and sizes, or see MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa for a comparable crystal that ships from stock.
