Resin Dice vs. Gemstone Dice: How to Choose the Right Material

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of dice sets and wondered which material to pick, you’re in good company. The choice between resin and gemstone dice is one of the most common dilemmas for tabletop gamers. Resin sets are everywhere, with swirling colors and attractive prices. Gemstone dice, meanwhile, sit in velvet cases and gleam under the lights like jewels. So which is better for your Dungeons & Dragons adventures? The answer depends on what matters most to you: durability, aesthetics, price or the feeling you get when you roll.

This guide will demystify the differences between resin and gemstone dice. By the end, you’ll know the benefits and drawbacks of each material and have a clearer idea of which suits your play style. Since Runic Dice offers both options, we’ll provide an honest comparison to help you pick the set that’s right for you.

What are resin dice?

Resin dice are made from epoxy or acrylic resins, materials commonly used in crafts and model making. During production, artisans pour resin into molds, often adding pigments, glitter or miniature inclusions to create patterns. Once cured, the dice are sanded and polished. Resin and acrylic sets are the most common and affordable on the market. They’re durable enough for regular play, come in an endless variety of colors and themes, and are a great starting point for new players.

Take a look at some standout resin dice sets below. Whether you’re starting your very first collection or adding to an ever-growing hoard, these sets are ready to join you on your next adventure.

PROS OF RESIN DICE

• Affordability: Basic resin sets typically cost between $7 and $15. This low price point makes them accessible to beginners or players who like to collect multiple styles.
• Variety: Because resin is easy to color and pour, you’ll find countless combinations of swirls, glitter, inclusions and translucent effects. Makers can embed tiny objects, paint swirling galaxy patterns or create gradient hues.
• Durability: Resin dice are tough. They can withstand thousands of rolls without chipping or breaking. They’re less likely to crack when dropped compared to stone dice.
• Light weight: Resin dice are lighter than stone or metal, making them comfortable for long gaming sessions. They roll smoothly without leaving dents on your table.
• Accessibility: You can find resin dice almost everywhere—from local game stores to online marketplaces. If you want a custom color or theme, many independent makers offer commission slots.

CONS OF RESIN DICE

• Less “heft”: Some players prefer dice with a heavier feel. Resin dice can feel somewhat light compared to metal or stone. That doesn’t affect gameplay, but it may impact your tactile enjoyment.
• Possible imperfections: Cheaper resin sets may have bubbles or uneven edges that affect balance. To avoid miscasts, buy from reputable sellers and handmade artisans.
• Mass production: Because they’re easy to produce, resin sets are often mass‑manufactured. While this keeps costs down, it can mean less uniqueness unless you opt for handmade or sharp‑edge varieties.

What are gemstone dice?

Gemstone dice are carved from natural stones and semi‑precious minerals such as obsidian, amethyst, jade or lapis lazuli. Artisans cut and polish each die, then engrave and fill the numbers. These sets are beautiful, collectible and often come in padded boxes. Because the material is natural, each die has unique patterns and color variations. Gemstone dice are considered high‑end; they’re fragile and best used on soft surfaces.

Below are some standout gemstone dice sets. From shimmering quartz to striking obsidian, each one has its own unique character and charm, just waiting to be part of the next adventure.

PROS OF GEMSTONE DICE

• Beauty and uniqueness: Gemstone dice can look stunning. Natural veins, chatoyancy (the cat’s eye effect) and inclusions create organic patterns no resin can replicate. Many players treat them as small works of art.
• Weight and feel: Stone has a satisfying heft. Rolling gemstone dice feels like dropping pieces of treasure onto your mat. They produce a pleasant sound and sensation that resin can’t mimic.
• Collectible value: Because they’re carved from real minerals and often released in limited quantities, gemstone sets hold value. They make wonderful gifts and display pieces.
• Prestige: Owning gemstone dice can feel special, players often bring them out for milestone sessions or important rolls. They signal commitment to the hobby and an appreciation for craftsmanship.

CONS OF GEMSTONE DICE

• Price: Premium materials come at a premium cost. Gemstone or glass sets can range from $50 to over $100. This can be steep for casual players or those on a tight budget.
• Fragility: Stone can chip or crack if dropped. You should only roll gemstone dice on soft surfaces and store them in padded cases. They’re not ideal for rowdy tables or travel.
• Limited styles: Because each stone has its own color and properties, you won’t find the same level of variety as resin. You can choose among different stones, but you won’t see glitter or embedded minis.
• Weight: While weight feels premium, some players find heavy dice tiring to roll repeatedly. Over time, gemstone dice can feel cumbersome for long sessions.

Price comparisons and value

For many buyers, budget is the biggest factor. Resin sets start around the cost of a takeout lunch, making it easy to build a collection without breaking the bank. Mid‑tier resin sets with special effects like liquid cores or sharp edges may run from $20 to $40. Gemstone dice sit in the $50–$100+ range, with rarer stones commanding higher prices. If you’re on a budget, resin provides more bang for your buck. If you’re looking for a special keepsake and are comfortable paying for it, gemstone is a worthwhile splurge.

Durability and care

Durability is a practical concern. Resin dice are hardy and can survive being tossed into a bag or dropped on a table. They hold up to heavy use with minimal wear. Gemstone dice, however, require gentler handling. Rolling them on a hard surface risks chipping, so invest in a padded tray or soft mat. Additionally, avoid exposing stone dice to extreme temperatures or heavy pressure. When not in use, store them in their box or a protective case.

Aesthetics and personalization

In terms of visual appeal, resin’s versatility wins in sheer variety. Makers can embed floral arrangements, insects, gears or mini landscapes inside resin dice. Glitter and color shifts create eye‑catching effects, and translucent dice change appearance in different light conditions. If you enjoy matching dice to a character’s personality—perhaps fiery reds for a sorcerer or soft blues for a water druid—resin offers endless options.

Gemstone dice rely on the beauty of nature. Obsidian is a sleek black with a glassy finish, amethyst shows rich purples with natural banding, and lapis lazuli features deep blue with specks of gold. While you have fewer style choices, each stone carries its own mythology and vibe. For players who appreciate a natural aesthetic or want a timeless look, gemstone sets are ideal.

Weight and roll feel

Weight affects how dice roll and how they feel in your hand. Resin dice are light, bounce more and roll further. Some players enjoy watching them scatter across the table. Stone dice feel heavier and roll with momentum; they tend to stop sooner. The tactile feedback of stone gives some players a sense of gravitas—each roll feels important. Neither is inherently better for gameplay; it’s a matter of personal preference.

Fairness and balance

Balance is important for fair play. Mass‑produced resin sets can sometimes have imperfections like bubbles or uneven edges that affect roll distribution. Handmade resin sets and premium sharp‑edge dice often have better quality control. Gemstone dice are carved from solid material, so they don’t usually have internal bubbles, but minor variations in stone density can occur. In general, buying from reputable makers, whether resin or gemstone, ensures fair rolls.

How to decide between resin and gemstone

Still torn? Consider these questions:

• What’s your budget? If you’re mindful of spending, resin gives you the most options for the least cost. If you can invest in a premium piece, gemstone might be worth it.
• How will you use the dice? Daily games, convention play or travel call for durable resin. A special campaign finale or a gift might warrant gemstone.
• Do you care about weight? If you like a substantial feel, gemstone delivers. If you prefer light, bouncy rolls, choose resin.
• What look do you want? Pick resin for endless creativity. Pick gemstone for natural beauty and elegance.
• How much care are you willing to give? Resin is low maintenance. Gemstone needs soft surfaces and careful storage.

Mixing and matching

Many players collect both types of dice. You might use resin sets for everyday sessions and save gemstone sets for important rolls or special events. Some even pair a resin d20 with gemstone d6s to get the best of both worlds. There’s no rule that says you can only have one material in your collection. Over time you might discover that different characters or campaigns call for different dice.

Final thoughts and where to shop

Choosing between resin and gemstone dice isn’t about finding a universally “best” option; it’s about discovering what suits your needs and tastes. Resin sets offer affordability, variety and durability. Gemstone sets bring beauty, weight and prestige, but require a bigger investment and gentler handling. By considering your budget, your play style and the aesthetic you enjoy, you’ll find the material that resonates with you.

At Runic Dice, we craft and curate both resin and gemstone dice sets. Our resin collections include sharp‑edge pieces with vibrant swirls, glitter and liquid cores. For gemstone aficionados, we offer obsidian, cat’s eye and more, each lovingly carved and polished. You can explore our catalog by material or theme and view multiple photos and detailed descriptions. Whether you’re building your first dnd dice collection or hunting for that one special set, we hope this guide helps you make an informed choice.

Happy rolling, and may your new dice bring you critical successes and unforgettable stories!