Old French Galalith beads in various colors and cuts, with a sheen resembling a queen's eye. Galalith: Galalith is a rare traditional material made from a complex organic protein (casein), chemically transformed using formaldehyde—a compound historically extracted from wood. During this process, protein chains link via precise chemical bridges, transitioning from a flexible organic structure to a dense, solid material with a distinctive character and high stability. Galalith flourished in the early 20th century, used in manufacturing buttons, jewelry, and decorative items, before its production gradually declined with the advent of modern plastics, ceasing large-scale manufacturing by the mid-20th century. Therefore, pieces made from it today are considered special and are repurposed for making high-end prayer beads and artistic crafts. In its natural state, Galalith has a warm white color that ages into rich ivory tones. When pigments are added, colors blend deeply within its structure, creating vibrant visual effects, including a moving silky sheen similar to "tiger's eye," resulting from a microscopic arrangement that reflects light dynamically. Galalith is characterized by its hardness, dimensional stability, and good heat resistance compared to untreated organic materials. However, it cannot be re-melted or reshaped after hardening, giving it the character of permanent solid materials. Galalith is not just a material, but an early example of the intersection of nature and chemistry, where organic structure transforms into a stable form that carries its warmth and depth through time.