MateriumFabrics
Cotton
Explore cotton fibre, fabric construction and useful identification clues, with label-reading and care context.
Explore Cotton ↗The material reference
Get to know everyday materials.
Explore properties, construction clues and useful next steps. Start with a material, connect it to an everyday object and build your understanding with Materium.
Explore fabric identification, plastic identification or our material guides. References are currently in English.
Fabrics
Polyester
Understand polyester fabrics, fibre blends and their relationship to PET, with practical identification and recycling context.
Explore Polyester ↗Plastics
PET
A practical reference to polyethylene terephthalate: common uses, resin code 1 and the distinction between bottles and polyester fabrics.
Explore PET ↗Plastics
HDPE
Learn about high-density polyethylene, resin code 2, common bottle uses and the details that help identify plastic packaging.
Explore HDPE ↗Plastics
Polypropylene
Explore polypropylene, its PP marking and resin code 5, with examples of hinges, tubs and component-level identification.
Explore Polypropylene ↗Natural materials
Cork
Understand cork bark, its cellular texture and common product forms, including natural pieces and granulated composites.
Explore Cork ↗Metals
Aluminium
Explore aluminium in everyday objects, its lightweight character and surface finishes, with a practical comparison to stainless steel.
Explore Aluminium ↗Metals
Stainless steel
Understand stainless steel as an alloy family, its chromium-rich protective surface and the role of grade information in identification.
Explore Stainless steel ↗Answer one concrete question
How 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.
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.
A reference you can make your own
Start a material observation notebook.
Keep an object photo, surface details, material markings and supporting sources together. Our free worksheet gives designers, makers and curious learners a simple starting point, whether you use it alongside Materium or in your own notes.
Download the observation worksheet (Markdown) · English · No sign-up
Compare what you see with what a label or supplier states, then record the next question you want to explore. See how Materium supports material exploration.