Mineralloid (Organic gemstone)
Pearl (likely Freshwater or Akoya Cultured)
Aragonite / Conchiolin composite (CaCO3)
Hardness: 2.5–4.5 Mohs scale; Color: Creamy golden-pink; Luster: Pearly (pearly/orient); Structure: Amorphous/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2–2.9
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Creamy golden-pink
- Luster
- Pearly (pearly/orient)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5–4.5 Mohs scale; Color: Creamy golden-pink; Luster: Pearly (pearly/orient); Structure: Amorphous/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2–2.9
Formation & geological history
Biogenic formation; produced within the soft tissue (mantle) of a living shelled mollusk as a defense mechanism against an irritant. Nacre is deposited in concentric layers.
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings) and as a birthstone for June. Historically used in cosmetics and traditional medicine.
Geological facts
Unlike most gemstones that are mined from the earth, pearls are organic. The oldest known pearl jewelry was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess dating back to 420 BC.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the 'tooth test' (rubbing across teeth feels gritty, whereas fakes feel smooth) and the presence of slight surface irregularities. Found in pearl farms in China, Japan, and the South Pacific.
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