marbles

Marbles are small spherical objects traditionally used in children's games and as decorative items. Most marbles are made of glass, but historical examples have also been fashioned from clay, agate, stone, or other materials. Typical playing marbles range from about 12 to 20 millimeters in diameter, with larger “shooter” marbles used to strike other marbles.

Historically, marbles have been produced for centuries, with glass varieties becoming common after industrial methods allowed mass production in the 19th century. Modern glass marbles are usually machine-made and can feature layered colors, swirls, or patterns such as cat's eyes. Decorative marbles sought by collectors often imitate natural stones or include complex colorwork and finishes.

Games and play: In many traditional marble games, players take turns flicking a shooter to knock other marbles or to win a pot of marbles. Rules vary by region, but the objective is commonly to hit a target marble or to capture the most marbles. In addition to play, marbles have a hobbyist market with collections based on color, pattern, age, and maker. Collectors often distinguish marbles by finish, design, and provenance, and certain varieties can be valued for historical or aesthetic reasons.