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| Natural Pearl Overview: | |
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Natural pearls are found
in saltwater and freshwater oysters and mussels. A pearl is formed
when a particle, often sand, sticks in the mantle of the inside of
the oyster. The mantle contains the shell secreting cells of the oyster
and it they respond to the foreign particle by secreting rings of
pearl or nacre round it. Nacre will develop round the object and will
display different hues and colors depending on the type of oyster
and it's environment. Cultured pearls are more rounded and symmetrical. Natural pearls are often older than cultured ones and have more time to develop sheen and color qualities. Cultured pearls are faster to produce and are more affordable |
| Legend and Lore: | |
| Early Chinese myths told of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fought. Ancient legend says that pearls were thought to be the tears of the gods and the Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying. | |
| Physical Properties: | |
Color:
|
White, light cream, light rose, light yellow, blue and green |
Chemistry:
|
CACO3 (aragonite)- 82-86%; conchiolin- 10-14%; water- 2% |
Hardness:
|
2.5-4.5 |
Density:
|
2.6-2.78 |
Crystal Group:
|
Round |
Occurrence:
|
Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia Bahrain, Australia, South Seas, Japan, Venezuela |
