Mibs / Marbles
Mibs (also known as marbles) are small, artistic glass spheres that serve two purposes in cannabis culture: as decorative elements showcasing glassblowing techniques, and sometimes functionally as heat distribution tools when placed inside bangers.
Key features:
- Small glass spheres with artistic details
- Showcase color work, fuming, and technique
- Decorative elements on high-end glass pieces
- Functional use as terp pearls in bangers
- Collectible in their own right
As decorative elements, mibs demonstrate an artist's skill with color, pattern, and technique in miniature form. You'll see them attached to rigs, pipes, and other pieces as artistic embellishments — they might include intricate wig-wag patterns, fuming effects, micro-scale imagery, or complex color combinations. Each mib is essentially a tiny glass artwork that adds visual interest to the larger piece.
Functionally, certain mibs work as terp pearls when placed inside a banger. These spheres spin when you place a carb cap on the banger, distributing heat more evenly across your concentrate. Not all decorative mibs are suitable for this use — they need to be sized correctly and made from materials that handle the heat cycling. Dedicated terp pearls are specifically made for this function.
The glassblowing techniques used in mibs range from simple solid colors to incredibly complex multi-layer constructions. Some artists are known specifically for their mib work, creating sought-after pieces that collectors acquire separately from functional glass. The small format makes mibs accessible entry points into collecting an artist's work.
Mibs in your collection: Decorative mibs on pieces are permanent artistic elements — they're attached during the glassblowing process and can't be removed. Functional mibs (terp pearls) are separate items you place in your banger before heating. When you're evaluating mibs as artistic elements, look for clarity, pattern consistency, and how well they complement the larger piece. For functional use, ensure they're the correct size for your banger (typically 4-8 mm, depending on the bucket size) and are made from heat-safe materials such as ruby, quartz, or borosilicate glass. Clean functional mibs regularly with isopropyl alcohol since reclaim builds up on them quickly.