The range of materials we work with as designers is virtually limitless. There is a vast range of plastics, metals, rubber and silicons, types of wood, types and textures of stone, glass bottles to glass table tops or windows. The list goes on. It is important to also consider texture and surface qualities such as shiny or dull, whether the material is raw or weathered versus smooth and sleekly manufactured such as injection molded plastics or stamped and painted sheet metal, or anodized aluminum. And, consider if the material is opaque, translucent, or transparent, or some combination of these.