Imprints of products - how is it done?

[hellboy80]

I see this kind of images very often. How is it done? Is it some kind of a powder?
http://st1.dripimg.com/1090000/11714/62/1083784_1920_dfcd23.jpg

 

[table1349]

There are a variety of ways depending on what is being molded and why. Here are just a few.
Corn Starch Candy Molds
Lost Wax Casting
Make a two part reusable mold using plaster
Hirst Arts Casting Page
Delftclay.nl - Home - De Delftse Gietmethode @

 

[Watchful]

Looks like compacted flour.