Kinds of Toy Marbles

Alley

• The "alley" marble is considered the "real" marble, as it is made from marble or sometimes alabaster, hence "alley." It has streaked waves, similar to what you would see on a slab of marble. Some alleys have been given names per the designs. The turtle has yellow and green streaks. The oxblood has rusty-red streaks. Onionskin has thin layer-like swirls. Cat's-eye marbles have a colored design inserted to look like a cat's eye.

Aggie

• Aggies are made from agate. Although, sometimes they are made of glass that resembles agate. The design is similar to the marble waves found in alleys.

China

• China marbles are manufactured from porcelain. The porcelain may be glazed or unglazed. When it is unglazed the marbles are called plasters. Various patterns are printed on the porcelain marbles.

Commies

• "Commies," short for common, are toy marbles manufactured from clay. They are painted with bright colors that inevitably chip off. They are called commies because they are very commonly found. Within the category of commies are "Benningtons," which are made of clay with a salt glaze and "crocks," which are made from a crockery type of clay.

Steelies

• Made from steel, "steelies" are actually ball bearings used as shooters in marble games.

Clearies, Puries and Crystals

• Some clear marbles are made from crystal. They are sometimes tinted different colors, or have a star image inserted in the center. Marbles made from mica are also called clears or "clearies". They have colored mica streaks within them.