gemstone
Pearl (Pendant)
Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite/Calcite) - CaCO3
Hardness: 2.5 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale. Luster: Pearly (iridescent nacre). Color: White, cream, silver, or light grey. Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.60 - 2.85.
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- White, cream, silver, or light grey
- Luster
- Pearly (iridescent nacre)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale. Luster: Pearly (iridescent nacre). Color: White, cream, silver, or light grey. Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.60 - 2.85.
Formation & geological history
Biogenic gemstone formed inside the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk (like oysters or mussels) as a defense mechanism against an irritant.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in fine jewelry such as necklaces, pendants, earrings, and rings, as well as decorative arts.
Geological facts
Pearls are one of the few organic gemstones produced by living organisms. Natural pearls are extremely rare, so most pearls used in jewelry today are cultured pearls.
Field identification & locations
Identified by their characteristic pearly luster, smooth iridescent surface, and cool touch. The image shows a small pearl or pearl-like gemstone set in a metal pendant necklace.
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