This lovely heart-shaped paperweight is made of burma teak by Dominion Traders in Pakistan. Burma teak is also called Marlstone or Marlite, but a quick glance at its distinctive whorls explains its better known name. The lined and knotty wood-like designs were created when iron seeped into natural fractures as the stone formed more than 250 million years ago.

Dominion works with underprivileged artisans who make stone products in the city of Karachi. It disperses orders to 20 independently owned and operated onyx workshops that employ between 100 and 150 people. Each workshop group owns its own equipment and rents of owns the facility. Most are family businesses employing several family members. These workshops are scattered throughout Pakistan, and employ artisans who speak different languages and practice different religions.