Collection: Mother-of-pearl

Mother-of-pearl is a mineral produced by mollusks throughout their lives. They coat the inside of their shells with this material. The formation of mother-of-pearl takes decades. It is part of the organic pearl family.

In addition, mother-of-pearl serves as protection for mollusks when foreign bodies intrude into their shell. It will then produce mother-of-pearl. This can lead to the formation of a pearl. Thus, certain gastropods are cultivated in order to harvest these pearls.

Mother-of-pearl is present in most shells. It is composed of 85% aragonite microcrystals (calcium carbonate). The rest of the composition of mother-of-pearl includes a protein called conchiolin (about 12%), which acts as a cement to bind the aragonite crystals, and then water (about 3%).

The thin layers of aragonite are the origin of the iridescence effect (property of certain surfaces which seem to change light depending on the angle of view or illumination) provided by mother-of-pearl.

The hardness of mother-of-pearl is 4 on the Mohs scale, which is relatively soft. In comparison, diamond has a hardness of 10, which is the maximum hardness on the same scale. Mother-of-pearl is an organic material with a fluorescence of blue, pink, purple or yellow. It has a fracture in the form of scales. Its pearly luster is particularly appreciated.

The name mother-of-pearl comes from the Arabic name "naqqara". In England, mother-of-pearl is called "Mother of Pearl", in homage to Queen Elizabeth I in the 15th century.

Man has been using mother-of-pearl for thousands of years. During archaeological excavations, tools, jewelry and various objects have been found in Mesopotamia. This term means “land between the rivers” and refers to the floodplain between the Tigris and the Euphrates (present-day Iraq). They have sometimes been used as currency in various civilizations and all over the world.

The Chinese used mother-of-pearl to make figurines and statuettes of their gods. The Indians of Mexico wore mother-of-pearl necklaces as protection against evil forces.

The Mayans made dental implants from mother-of-pearl. In the Middle Ages, mother-of-pearl was used to make containers, including baptismal fonts in churches. It was associated with the Virgin Mary because of its whiteness and purity. In fact, the scallop shell became the emblem of the pilgrims of Compostela.

In Corsica, a shell called the rough turbo produces a mother-of-pearl operculum. This operculum is called the “eye of Saint Lucy”. A Corsican legend tells that at the time of the first Christian martyrs, Lucy thanked the gods for saving her sick mother. She distributed all her wealth to the poor. Her husband flew into a rage and denounced her to the Roman authorities as a Christian. Poor Lucy was arrested and imprisoned. She suffered many abuses and was stabbed to death. But before that, she had offered her eyes on a platter to her husband. He threw them into the Mediterranean Sea and they multiplied.

Nowadays, mother-of-pearl is used in the manufacture of accordion buttons, jewelry, ornamental objects, in marquetry, in cabinetmaking, etc.

The main places to find mother of pearl are China etc.

Mother-of-pearl is ideal for people with a fairly strong temperament. It soothes anger, excessive reactions and sudden mood swings. It acts as a real mood regulator. In fact, it allows the person to no longer react excessively. It has the ability to soften the character.

This mineral releases fears, calms anxieties and reduces tensions. It helps to fight effectively against stress. It makes the wearer of mother-of-pearl more optimistic, calm and serene. All he has to do is hold the mother-of-pearl in his hands. Its gentle energy spreads through him and soothes him as after a meditation or yoga session.

Mother-of-pearl is particularly suitable for students, people in training or anyone who needs concentration. It gives the opportunity to settle down and focus one's mind. It clarifies ideas, structures them and strengthens memorization.

It facilitates relationships with others, because it causes an open mind. Communication with others is better and more frank. It helps to overcome heartaches.

Placed in a bedroom, it provides the peace and serenity necessary to promote falling asleep and quality of sleep. Thus, the person regains vitality and physical fitness.