Iridescent or AB (Aurora Borealis) refers to the coating applied to the bead. A rainbow finish is applied to the bead, making the bead shimmer.
The finish can also change the original color of the bead. Iridescent beads can come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and materials. Many of our glass beads have an AB finish. You can find some good examples among our Spears, Czech Rounds, Angel Wings, and Drops.