Liquid marbles coated with carbon black are reported first. Carbon black is a strongly hydrophilic material; an energetic reasoning for coating water drops with the hydrophilic powder is supplied. The shape of marbles is well-described by the oblate spheroid model. The effective surface tension of the marbles is reported. The factors exerting an influence on the effective surface tension of marbles are discussed. Scaling laws governing the marbles' shape are presented. Electrical properties of liquid marbles coated with carbon black are reported first. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.