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Types of Shooter Marbles

The first marbles found in archeological sites were made of stone and baked clay. Since then marbles have been made from materials as varied as wood, steel, glass, ceramics and natural stone. There are many games one can play with marbles, but one important component of every game is the shooter. This is the marble shot at the others with the thumb from the crook of the forefinger. Shooters must be three quarters of an inch in diameter, according to the American Toy Marbles website, but may be made of any number of materials.

Steelies
- "Steelie" is a steel ball bearing used as a marble.
  
  Steelie is slang for a ball bearing used as a marble. These can be made of any metal, but are typically made of steel. Steelies have been outlawed for tournament play in the United States, explains the American Toy Marbles website.
Aggies
- "Aggies" are shooters made of a hard type of quartz.
  
  Aggies are shooters made of any type of agate. Agates are a hard, fibrous type of quartz which come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are highly prized for their uniqueness and beauty.
Cat&'s Eyes
- Cat&'s eye marbles are made of clear glass with swirls of color.
  
  Cat&'s eyes were originally made in Japan in the 1950&'s. They are clear glass marbles with swirls of colored glass injected into their centers. Today, they are not as popular because they are mass produced and their colors are more uniform and less unique.

Childrens Toys