Pearl
Pearls are organic gems formed inside mollusks. Natural pearls are extremely rare; most pearls today are cultured by inserting a nucleus into the mollusk.
Pearl properties at a glance
| Type | Organic Gems |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CaCO3 |
| Mohs hardness | 3 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic |
| Luster | pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | White, Cream, Pink, Black, Gold |
| Rarity | uncommon |
Geology & background
Forms inside mollusks when nacre (aragonite and conchiolin) is deposited in layers around an irritant.
Pearls have been treasured for at least 6,000 years and were once more valuable than diamonds.
How to identify Pearl
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Pearl examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Where Pearl is found
Pearl is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Pearl worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $50 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $500 |
| Premium specimen | $100000+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Decorative objects
Interesting facts
- The only gem created by a living organism
- Natural pearls are now almost exclusively sold at auction
- Cleopatra allegedly dissolved a pearl in vinegar and drank it
Care & safety
Treat Pearl as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
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