Nacre

The Mother of Pearl

Mother-of-pearl is the inner coating, with iridescent reflections, of certain mollusk shells, bio synthesized by the mantle and composed of aragonite crystals linked by a protein called conchyoline. It is a product that has been sought after for a long time for decoration, marquetry, making of jewelry or buttons, to the point that certain shells such as abalone have locally disappeared. Some are raised for mother-of-pearl.

When an irritating foreign element enters the shell of these molluscs, they also secrete mother-of-pearl layer after layer all around in order to protect themselves, thus forming one or more pearls. The mollusk synthesizes mother-of-pearl throughout its life, unlike the other layers of the shell, which it produces only for its enlargement.

A little history...

The word "mother of pearl" comes from the Arabic "naqqara".
Mother of pearl has been used as an ornamental stone for over 3000 years before Jesus Christ.
In English, it is called by the name given to it by the first Queen Elizabeth who lived in the 15th century: mother of pearl, mother of pearls.
Mother-of-pearl has been used for a very long time by humans, since tools and jewelry made in Mesopotamia have been found. Seashells have been used as a currency around the world.

Provenance

California and Florida produce a lot of mother-of-pearl, and it is also harvested in the Philippines, Djibouti, Madagascar, India, Indonesia and the Arabian Sea.

Mother of Pearl in astrology

The mother-of-pearl is associated with the astrological signs of Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces and especially Cancer.
It is traditionally offered for the 42nd wedding anniversary.

Mother of Pearl in lithotherapy

Mother-of-pearl is a feminine, soft and tender material, which evokes maternal love and tenderness. She would have the ability to soften the character.