Mineraloid (Organic)
Pearl (Imitation or Cultured)
Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite/Calcite) - CaCO3
Hardness: 2.5–4.5 (Mohs); Color: White, cream, or pinkish; Luster: Pearly (iridescent nacreous); Structure: Orthorhombic/Hexagonal microcrystals; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- White, cream, or pinkish
- Luster
- Pearly (iridescent nacreous)
Identified More mineraloid (organic) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5–4.5 (Mohs); Color: White, cream, or pinkish; Luster: Pearly (iridescent nacreous); Structure: Orthorhombic/Hexagonal microcrystals; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed biogenically within the soft tissue (mantle) of a living shelled mollusk or through a lab-simulated coating process for imitation varieties. Modern specimens are typically months to years old.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (necklaces, earrings, brooches) and as a birthstone for June. In some cultures, crushed low-grade pearls are used in cosmetics or traditional medicine.
Geological facts
Natural pearls are formed when an irritant gets trapped in a mollusk. Unlike gemstones mined from the earth, pearls are the only gems created by a living creature. This specific specimen appears to be costume jewelry consisting of an imitation pearl set in a floral metal earring.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the 'tooth test' (rubbing against teeth; real nacre feels gritty, glass/plastic feels smooth). Found in coastal waters of Japan, China, Australia, and the South Pacific. For collectors, check for luster depth and surface symmetry.
More like this
Other mineraloid (organic) specimens
Amber
Succinite (formula varies, primarily C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinicum (Succinite); C10H16O
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinite (specifically for Baltic amber; general formula C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinite (C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Red Amber (Burmite/Cherry Amber)
Succinite / Retinite (Organic Fossilized Resin, C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinite (formula varies, primarily C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)