Abstract: A décor piece for a pet habitat is formed from a semiprecious gemstone or mineral such as calcite or amethyst which is mined and processed to provide a shiny (polished) piece having at least one characteristic dimension of between 3 and 20 inches. The décor piece is supplied to a wholesale or retail outlet for sale to the public as a décor piece for a pet habitat such as an aquatic or reptile habitat.

Abstract: A trophy according to the invention includes a large (e.g., at least 500 carats) semiprecious gemstone (e.g., amethyst, aquamarine, calcite, fluorite, quartz, and rose quartz) upon which an image is etched. After the desired stone is selected, it is sculpted into the desired shape and polished. A viewable image is then etched on the stone. The presently preferred method of etching is to cover the stone with a protective tape, vaporize a portion of the tape with a laser according to a desired pattern where the laser also marks (etches) the stone under the vaporized tape, ball blast the etched parts to make the etching deeper, and then remove the remaining protective masking material. If desired, the stone is placed on a tablet or pedestal, preferably also made from a semiprecious gemstone or mineral, on which an additional image may be etched or otherwise added.