aBALONE SHELL

Vintage Native American inlay ring with abalone mother of pearl and spiny oyster shell
A mesmerizing abalone mother of pearl shell inlay
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 Shell Facts

Vintage Mexican leaf brooch set with an abalone mother of pearl inlay.
Lapel pin with abalone mother of pearl inlay

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.

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

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

abalone Shell Gallery


All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)