Introduction:
You know about one of the miraculous creature of nature? If yes means, you have lot of things to think. But here I am explaining about Pearls. In my olden days, I was having lot of ideas regarding the formation of pearls. Once I met the fishermen , he explained such a miraculous facts regarding pearls
What is Pearl?
A pearl is a hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk or another animal, such as a conulariid. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers.
HOW PEARLS ARE FORMED:
There are essentially three types of pearls: natural, cultured and imitation.
Natural Pearls form when an irritant - usually a parasite and not the proverbial grain of sand - works its way into an oyster, mussel, or clam. As a defense mechanism, a fluid is used to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating, called 'nacre', is deposited until a lustrous pearl is formed.
A cultured pearl undergoes the same process. The only difference is that the irritant is a surgically implanted bead or piece of shell called Mother of Pearl. These 'seeds' or 'nuclei' are most often formed from mussel shells. Quality cultured pearls require a sufficient amount of time - generally at least 3 years - for a thick layer of nacre to be deposited, resulting in a beautiful, gem-quality pearl. Lower-quality pearls have often been 'rushed' out of the oyster too quickly (sometimes a year or less) and have a too-thin coat of nacre
Pearls can come from either salt or freshwater sources. Historically, saltwater pearls were rounder and had a better nacre than freshwater pearls, while freshwater pearls tended to be very irregular in shape, with a puffed rice appearance the most prevalent. However, improvements in freshwater pearl farming techniques have narrowed that gap, with freshwater pearls now exhibiting great roundness and deep luster.
The culturing process usually takes several years. Mussels must reach a mature age, which can take up to 3 years, and only then can be implanted or naturally receive an irritant. Once the irritant is in place, it can take up to another 3 years for the pearl to reach its full size and nacre thickness. Of the pearls produced, only approximately 5% are of sufficient true gem-quality for top jewelry makers, yet a pearl farmer can figure on spending over $100 for every oyster that is farmed, whether a gem-quality pearl is produced or not.
Imitation pearls are a different story altogether. In most cases, a glass bead is dipped into a solution made from fish scales. This coating is thin and may eventually wear off. One can usually tell an imitation by rubbing it across the teeth: Fake pearls glide across your teeth, while the layers of nacre on real pearls feel gritty. The Island of Mallorca is known for its imitation pearl industry, and the term "Mallorca Pearls" or "Majorica Pearls" is frequently (though inaccurately) used to describe these pearl simulants.
Cost of pearls:
It's normal that some of the high-class freshwater pearls can be priced more expensive than medium quality Akoya pearls. Some high-end large round white or pink freshwater pearls can have a retailed price for over $5000-$10000 in Jewelry store.
How the pearls graded?
AAA: The highest-quality pearl, virtually flawless. The surface will have a very high luster, and at least 95% of the surface will be free from any type of defect. The pearlwill be perfectly round, and have a mirror-like luster, and a nacre thickness (Akoyapearls only) of 0.4mm or higher.
Uses of pearls:
Pearls and pearl-oyster shells have long been used as jewellery items by humans. However, these are not the sole uses for this renewable resource. The adductor muscle can be eaten and is used in cuisine in a number of different regions. The shell itself is often worked either into simple jewellery or more complex furniture and other decorative items. Finally, the pearl oyster shell is increasingly used for its health benefits.
Historically, the largest use of the pearl resource was for mother of pearl (MOP), also called nacre. This shell material was used for buttons and this aided the emergence of important shell collecting industries in Mexico, Australia, French Polynesia. The finding of natural pearls was often just a side-product of this activity.
Types of pearls;
Pearls are available in various shades and colors, from purple, green, blue, black, pink, cream, white , and even multicolor overtones. Factors contributing to the pearl's color include the kind of oyster, the number and thickness of nacre layers, and potentially trace elements within the oyster's aquatic environment.
Medical Benefits
A number of cultures and Asian societies have claimed the medicinal advantages of this gleaming gem. Pearls have a vast medical history to assist in treatment of digestive tract disorders, skin and muscular problems. For medicinal purpose it has been used in fine granular form that is mixed with various herbal powders and potions to form a medicine that enhances fertility and easing the labor pains during birthing procedure.
Ancient Chinese Medicine
For instance, Chinese culture depended on medicines made with pearls since ancient times. It used as a treatment in assorted diseases and problems that ranges from simple eye problems to serious heart disorders, fever, indigestion and even to stop bleeding. For skin problems and treatment to cosmetically enhancement of skin quality, pearls are used around the world. It is profoundly considered as a skin whitener for ages. For overcoming acne and Rosacea problems, pearls are found miraculously effective.
The Gem of Life and its Spiritual Healing Powers
Along with its gleaming elegance and beauty, pearls are admired for its natural healing significance. The admirers alleged that pearls assists in maintaining the natural harmony by balancing hormonal levels in human body that encompasses with lunar cycles. Also it acclaimed to be a spiritual healer that brings out the inner wisdom and strengthens the emotional powers with a nurturing tinge of affection.
The Magnetic influence of pearl
It is alleged by many ancient stories where pearls are thought to have a very powerful magnetic influence and has been used in Gem Therapy to reinforce nervous system, the adrenal glands, muscle tissues and spleen functionality.
The Power of Enlightening
Since ages, peals is believed to have magical powers of lands and seas that allows an individual to open up its conscience and reveal the true meaning of life. They are assumed as the enlightener of mind and body and stimulate the mood of its bearer while assisting in learn to be affectionate and kind with oneself and others. Whether these properties are taken as myths or not, the inspirational thoughts surely come to the mind of the wearer and help in nurturing a natural way of life in practical way.
Pearl Powder
Pearls can be applied in powder form; crushed to granular pearls are used in ancient Chinese medicines as a skincare agent. With its exceptional anti-aging and acne remedial attributes, it is also believed to extend life expectancy.
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