Thank you for responding so quickly....I know about the solid carved pieces. I am asking how the other technique is done. I know it is a mosaic technique that the Russians used. I just want to know what materials are used and the composition of the resin or whatever mixture it is that glues it all together. I saw the inside of a contemporary piece where the malachite is an overlay over something and then there is a layer of plaster to finish it off. I want to know how it is done and what is the material that the malachite pieces are layered to ... thanks