Mineral Marbles Set
© 2014 LandOfMarbles.com
Marbles have been formed from various semiprecious minerals for hundreds of years. Even today, the best marble
players prefer to use such marbles as shooters, as their increased heft (as opposed to glass) can be devastating in the
marble ring. In this set you will find peewee to shooter mineral marbles fashioned from 34 different colorful minerals
from around the globe. The following table identified the minerals as they are laid out in this case.
Rainbow Fluorite
Zebra Stone
Meteorite?
Rhodonite
Pavonine Stone
Xinjiang Turquoise
Quartz Crystal
Yellow Grade A
Tiger Eye
Botswana Agate
Ocean Jasper
Pyrite Ore
LOM Logo Marble
Dyed Natural
Turquoise
Qing Jade
Grade AAA Gem
Agate
Black Obsidian
Agate
Plum Stone
XiuShan Jade
Tourmalinated
Quartz
Red Turquoise
Green Aventurine
Red Marble
Lined Blackstone
Prehnite
Chocolate Turquoise
Brecciated Red
Jasper
Wooden Onyx
Vetname Gem
Orange Jade
Fossil Gemstone
Jadeite
Snowflake
Obsidian
Bicolor Banded
Agate
Rainbow Fluorite– This mineral comes in a range of
hues, primarily in the purple family. This example is
gem quality—quite rare.
Jadeite – Often formed in association with Serpentine,
or Lemon Jade, this mineral was once believed to cure
kidney stones if rubbed against the side of an afflicted
person’s body.
Zebra Stone – Half black and half white, Zebra Stone is
as its name implies – a stone whose rhythmic pattern
resembles that of a zebra. Zebra stone is also known as
the Yin Yang stone.
Meteorite? – It’s unlikely this sphere is actually ground
from a meteorite, although it was presented as such
when we purchased it! Most meteorites contain iron,
and will be attracted to a magnet. This orb is not
magnetic but its heft and appearance suggest it may be
some kind of metallic ore.
Rhodonite – A soothing pink stone that is thought to
promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. It is also
known as a “rescue stone.” It is found throughout the
world, and is mined in Australia, Sweden, Brazil, USA
and Russia.
Wooden Onyx –This stone resembles wood grain. An
elegant stone, it features striated bands of gold, cream
and honey.
Snowflake Obsidian – Named for the snowflake pattern
formed by clustered crystals of cristobalite, this is a
volcanic glass. It is thought to give protection from
physical and emotional harm.
Red Calcite
Pavonine Stone – This mineral is dyed a deep purple
which still allows its unique veining to shine through.
Xinjiang Turquoise -- Naturally occurring veins in
turquoise create textural interest. This blue-green stone
is believed to be one of protection, and is often
incorporated into horse tack to keep both rider and
animal safe from harm.
Quartz Crystal – Proponents of Feng Sui believe that
proper placement of polished quartz crystal (such as in
dark corners), attract, direct and nourish stagnant Chi (or
universal energy) flow inside the home. Quartz crystal,
in the form of “crystal balls,” are also used in divination,
or predicting the future.
Vetname Gem – This seldom-seen stone is notable for
the rosy blooms of pink color spread across its surface.
Bicolor Banded Agate – A soft border allows color
bands to gently merge in this lovely two toned stone.
Yellow Grade A Tiger Eye – Prized for its shimmering
honey colored bands, this quartz marble makes a fine
addition to any collection.
Botswana Agate – Botswana Agate is predominantly
banded in shades of pink, gray, muted brown and
apricot. It is traditionally used in African fertility
ceremonies to encourage healthy offspring.
Ocean Jasper – This stone is found on the shores of
Madagascar and can only be mined at low tide. Even in
its most natural state, its beautiful markings make it a
unique stone.
Orange Jade – Jade is a traditional stone with a history
dating back 7,000 years. It is often used in Asian
religious ceremonies and as ornaments. While most
think of Jade as being green in color, it is also found in
shades of orange.
Pyrite Ore – This natural dark grey stone with its paler
grey markings make Pyrite Ore reminiscent of a stormy
sky. Pyrite has also been called “Fool’s Gold,” as it
superficially resembles Gold when in a crystalline state.
Dyed Natural Turquoise – This is a lovely dyed stone
with a color range from an eggplant shade of purple to a
rich, chocolate brown.
Qing Jade – Qing Jade is a variety of so-called “soft
jade.” Soft Jades were carved for thousands of years in
the Chinese civilization – they are easier to carve, but
less durable and valued in China than hard jade (also
known as jadite), which was not available in China until
it was imported from Burma in the 13 century AD.
Fossil Gemstone – This is a sedimentary rock, formed
by the accretion of sediments in a marine environment.
These sediments are compacted over millennia, which
transforms them into sedimentary rock. After this rock
was lifted and had migrated to dry land through the
action of plate tectonics, it was quarried and found to
contain numerous seashell fossils which had
accumulated along with the sediments.
Tourmalinated Quartz – This is transparent crystal
quartz with silver filaments and threads of black
tourmaline shooting through it, primarily found in
Brazil. Because it is combination of quartz and
tourmaline, it is thought to have the influences of both
these gems.
Grade AAA Gem Agate – Banded agates are among
the most eye-appealing forms one will find agate in –
those with the richest color and fewest inclusions are
reserved for use in jewelry. The sphere was ground from
AAA gem grade agate – the highest grade commercially
available! This lovely stone features encircling bands of
rich brown.
Agate –Agate is classically associated with volcanic
rock and can be common in certain metamorphic rocks.
The stone was given its name by Theophrastus, a Greek
philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone
along the shore line of the river Achates between the 4th
and 3rd century BC. It is one of the most common
materials used in the art of hardstone carving, and has
been recovered at a number of ancient sites.
Plum Stone – This mineral was acquired from China,
and is marketed under the trade name “plum stone”
reminiscent of its soft tone.
XiuShan Jade – The color of this stone is usually a pale
green. It is found in rivers or beneath the ground in
Xiyugou, Pianling Town in China.
Red Turquoise – Turquoise derives its name from the
old French word for “Turkish” because it was first
brought to Europe from Turkey. This weakly colored
turquoise is dyed red to increase eye appeal.
Black Obsidian – Iron and magnesium impurities are
responsible for obsidian’s black color. As it forms in
erupting volcanoes, it has been found throughout the
world, including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Greece,
Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and in many other
places. It cools too quickly for crystals to form, giving it
a shiny, glassy texture.
Chocolate Turquoise – This dyed stone was recently
produced in China. The purple-brown dye, coupled with
veining reminiscent of turquoise gives this mineral its
name.
Green Aventurine – Aventurine is a variety of quartz.
Its name comes from the Italian “a venture” meaning “by
chance” and is thought to be a lucky addition to any
collection.
Red Marble – Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by
the alteration of limestone or dolomite through heat and
pressure. Marbles are often irregularly colored by
impurities, this white, pinkish, or reddish marble can be
found in Romania.
Lined Blackstone – This stone features pencil thin lines
visible only under a bright light. Blackstone is popular
for use as a shooter marble in the West.
Prehnite – This lovely muted green mineral is
pronounced “pre-night.” It is representative of
unconditional love.
Brecciated Red Jasper –Its name comes from Old
French for “speckled stone”. Its soft red color is veined
with silvery grey minerals.
Red Calcite – Pure calcite is transparent or white,
though shades of gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
violet, brown or even black can occur when the mineral
is charged with impurities. Although mottled with
primarily with gray, these variety trades as red calcite
due to the reddish tinge seen throughout the matrix. Red
calcite is thought to promote vitality.
© 2014 LandOfMarbles.com