Quick answer
Choose the Diamond Yoga Mat if you need maximum grip and extra cushioning. Pick the Rose Quartz or Emerald herbal mat if you want a lightweight, handloomed cotton rug with plant-based bioactive benefits.
Grip and cushioning trade-off
The Diamond Yoga Mat features zigzag grip strips with an invisible tree rubber coating, which the maker guarantees offers the best grip of any yoga rug. It is also the thickest mat at 7 mm, making it ideal for joint-sensitive practices or harder floors. The Rose Quartz and Emerald herbal mats are handloomed cotton rugs without rubber coating, so they provide a more traditional, breathable surface that some practitioners prefer for slower styles, but they lack the same level of slip resistance on smooth surfaces.
Material and dye differences
All three mats use GOTS certified organic cotton and are plant-dyed using an ancient process. However, the herbal mats (Rose Quartz and Emerald) are marketed as preserving the bioactive medicinal qualities of the plants used in the dye, while the Diamond mat focuses on functional grip and durability. If the medicinal aspect of plant dye is important to you, the herbal mats are the only choice. The Diamond mat's dye is also herbal, but its primary innovation is the grip system.
Herbal vs Diamond: trade-offs to consider
- Grip performance: Diamond mat has a rubber-coated zigzag grip system for maximum slip resistance. Herbal mats rely on natural cotton texture, which can shift on polished floors.
- Cushioning: Diamond mat is 7 mm thick. Herbal mats are thinner (spec not provided), so they offer less padding for knees and joints.
- Bioactive plant benefits: Herbal mats preserve the medicinal qualities of the plants used in the dye. Diamond mat also uses herbal dye but the bioactive preservation is not emphasized.
- Weight and portability: Herbal cotton mats are lighter and easier to carry. The Diamond mat with rubber coating and extra thickness is heavier. If you walk or bike to class, the herbal mat may be more convenient.
- Care and maintenance: Herbal mats can be washed with soap nuts (see our care guide). The Diamond mat's rubber coating may require gentler cleaning to preserve grip.
Product facts at a glance
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Rose Quartz - Herbal Yoga Mat: Handloomed with GOTS certified cotton and plant dyed using an ancient process that preserves the bioactive medicinal qualities of the plants. This means the mat may offer subtle aromatherapeutic or skin benefits during practice, which a standard mat cannot provide.
Rose Quartz - Herbal Yoga Mat
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Diamond Yoga Mat - Clay & Cream: Features zigzag grip strips with an invisible tree rubber coating for ultimate grip, and is 7 mm thick. You get superior traction and extra padding, making this mat a better choice for vigorous flows or for practitioners with sensitive knees.
Diamond Yoga Mat - Clay & Cream
Which mat fits your practice?
Best for
- Practitioners who want maximum grip and cushioning for vinyasa or hot yoga
- Those with sensitive joints who need extra padding
Not ideal for
- Practitioners who prefer a lightweight, breathable cotton mat for slow or restorative yoga
- Those who specifically want the bioactive plant benefits preserved in the dye
