gemstone

White seed-bead gemstone strand, likely freshwater pearl or shell pearl

Pearl: nacreous calcium carbonate, chiefly aragonite (CaCO₃) in conchiolin; identification uncertain from image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tiny spherical, creamy-white beads with pearly luster; pearls have hardness about 2.5–4.5 Mohs, noncrystalline layered nacre, and specific gravity roughly 2.60–2.85. The uniform size and drill holes may also indicate cultured, shell, or synthetic imitation beads.

Identified August 12, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: White seed-bead gemstone strand, likely freshwater pearl or shell pearl
Scientific name: Pearl: nacreous calcium carbonate, chiefly aragonite (CaCO₃) in conchiolin; identification uncertain from image
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for imitation or shell strands; $30–$300+ for ordinary cultured-pearl strands, with fine natural pearls potentially worth thousands.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural and cultured pearls form when nacre is deposited around an irritant inside mollusks; freshwater cultured pearls commonly form in mussels over months to several years. Shell beads are cut from mollusk shell, while imitation beads may be glass or plastic coated with pearlescent material.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, rosaries, and decorative beadwork. Value depends on material, nacre quality, luster, shape, size, matching, and provenance.

Geological facts

Pearl is an organic gemstone rather than a mineral, although its calcium-carbonate nacre is geological material. A tooth-rub test feels slightly gritty for nacre but smooth for glass or plastic; avoid damaging valuable beads.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include China, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and the Persian Gulf; freshwater cultured strands are especially common from China. Examine drill holes, surface layers, weight, and luster, and obtain gemological testing for confirmation.