MateriumHow to tell if leather is real
Start with the product description, an exposed edge and the backing. These clues help distinguish leather, coated leather and textile-backed alternatives; a surface pattern on its own does not settle the question.
The material notebook
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Practical material identification guides, thoughtful comparisons and useful ways to build your knowledge. Explore the details behind everyday objects with Materium.
How Materium builds material insight ↗Answer one concrete question
What fabric is this? Identifying fabric without a label
When the tag is missing, identify construction before composition: a knit, weave, pile or coating is something you can document. Then use product information and a visual material assessment to investigate the fibre family.
How to identify wood type from a photo
A useful wood photo includes more than the polished face. Record an exposed edge, end grain if already visible, joins and the product's construction before comparing a possible wood family or species.
How to tell if jewellery is real gold or silver
Begin with readable marks, the item's construction and its provenance. A photo is useful for documenting those clues; a professional assessment or assay establishes composition when authenticity or fineness needs confirmation.
Wool or acrylic? How to investigate a jumper's fibres
Start with the label or product record, then document the yarn and construction. Wool is an animal fibre and acrylic a manufactured fibre; softness, warmth and surface fuzz can overlap and do not establish the blend.
What does recycling number 1 mean? PET · polyethylene terephthalate
Resin identification code 1 identifies PET · polyethylene terephthalate. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 2 mean? HDPE · high-density polyethylene
Resin identification code 2 identifies HDPE · high-density polyethylene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 3 mean? PVC · polyvinyl chloride
Resin identification code 3 identifies PVC · polyvinyl chloride. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 4 mean? LDPE · low-density polyethylene
Resin identification code 4 identifies LDPE · low-density polyethylene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 5 mean? PP · polypropylene
Resin identification code 5 identifies PP · polypropylene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 6 mean? PS · polystyrene
Resin identification code 6 identifies PS · polystyrene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 7 mean? Other · other resins or combinations
Resin identification code 7 identifies Other · other resins or combinations. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
Material identification ·
How to identify materials from a photo with Materium
Discover how an AI material identifier reads patterns, surface finish and construction to build a useful material report.
Read the guide
Fabrics ·
How to identify fabric and read a clothing label
Combine fabric identification with fibre labels to understand the texture, composition and construction of a garment.
Read the guideFabrics ·
Cotton vs polyester: a practical fabric identification guide
Learn how cotton and polyester fit into fabric identification, clothing labels and a personal material library.
Read the guideRecycling ·
Plastic recycling numbers: a guide to resin codes
Learn how plastic recycling numbers identify resin types and help you find the right local collection guidance.
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Recycling ·
PET vs HDPE: understanding two common packaging plastics
Compare PET and HDPE using resin markings, packaging components and useful material records.
Read the guideRecycling ·
Is polypropylene recyclable? Understanding PP collection routes
Use the 5 PP marking and local item guidance to understand polypropylene recycling.
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Fabrics ·
Can polyester be recycled? A guide to textile recycling
Understand polyester recycling and how to find a collection or take-back route for clothing.
Read the guideMaterial comparisons ·
Glass vs acrylic: a practical guide to clear materials
Explore glass and acrylic using product context, visible features and manufacturer information.
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Material comparisons ·
Aluminium vs stainless steel: a guide to metal identification
Explore aluminium and stainless steel through surface finish, product components and material specifications.
Read the guideMaterial comparisons ·
Solid wood, veneer or laminate? Understanding furniture surfaces
Explore the face, edge and construction of wood-look furniture to understand solid wood, veneer and laminate.
Read the guideFrom everyday curiosity to a personal collection.
Explore a material, connect it with useful context and keep a visual reference. Our guides bring practical examples and supporting reading to each step.
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Explore our material reference for properties, visual clues and useful comparisons, or focus on fabrics and plastics.
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Find the guide for the question you have in mind.
- material identifier app
- AI material scanner
- identify materials from photo
- material composition app
- fabric identifier app
- how to read clothing labels
- cotton vs polyester
- plastic recycling numbers
- identify plastic type
- PET vs HDPE
- is polypropylene recyclable
- is polyester recyclable
- glass vs acrylic
- aluminium vs stainless steel
- wood vs laminate