abalone

Vintage Mexican leaf brooch set with an abalone mother of pearl inlay.
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Variety:  Mother of Pearl
Species:  Shell
​​Mohs Hardness:  2.5 to 4.5 out of 10
Color:  Gray or black with intense iridescent patterns
RI:  1.530 to 1.685
Birefringence:  0.155 (Birefringence blink technique)
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Variable
SG:  2.86 (+0.03/-0.16)

abalone facts

Mother of pearl and jet inlay, with diamond accent, on this handmade sterling silver cuff bracelet
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Abalone is a general name used for marine gastropods (sea snails) of the of Haliotidae family.

Mother of pearl is the name given to the iridescent layer of nacre that lines the inside of mollusk and oyster shells.

Mother of pearl occurs in several different colors and can display iridescence of varying intensities.

Abalone mother of pearl shell is darker in color and is known for its very intense, vivid iridescent patterns.

Abalone mother of pearl is often used in beautiful inlay pieces, and is also used as a material for watch dials.
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Abalone Gallery