Glass was originally developed to mimic vividly colored and patterned stones such as lapis lazuli, onyx, and turquoise. Thus, glass was not only used to make vessels, but it was also often used in accessories such as amulets and beads, which were favored regardless of the region or era. Compared to precious stones, raw materials for glass were easier to obtain. Glass could also be fashioned into various shapes and colors, so it was favored as a traded good.