Mother of pearl is the iridescent nacre that lines the inner shell of certain mollusks, in this case the Pinctada maxima pearl oyster. Like all pearls, those from Pinctada maxima form when an irritant becomes trapped within the mollusk, prompting it to secrete layers of nacre that gradually build a pearl. This same nacre coats the interior of the shell, giving mother of pearl its luminous, layered beauty. Before the advent of plastics, it was widely used for buttons; today, it remains beloved in fine jewelry for its soft iridescence, ranging from silvery gray to luminous white.
Origins: Indian and western Pacific Oceans
MOHs Hardness: 2.5
Care: To clean your mother of pearl jewelry, use warm water and mild soap. When wearing your mother of pearl jewelry, avoid exposure to chemicals, oils, acids, cosmetics, and the like, as they can discolor or ruin the texture of your piece. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Attributes : protection, prosperity, intuition
Birthstone :
Anniversary : 1st