How are pearls formed?
Everyone knows that pearls are harvested from oysters and other kinds of mussels. The only question is, how are they formed?
The process of how they’re formed is rather simple.
Oysters don’t produce them just because they can. In fact, pearls are the product of their defence mechanism against potential threats—fascinating, right?
Before you buy yourself an iridescent pearl necklace, learn how these aquatic gemstones are formed.
Presence of an irritant
When an unknown substance or parasite manages to slip into an oyster’s shell and causes disruptions inside, it’ll secrete a crystalline substance called ‘nacre’, also known as the ‘mother of pearl.’ This composite material is composed of calcium carbonate that’s also found in limestones and egg shells.
Secretion and Rotation
Upon secretion, the oyster covers the irritant with nacre and continuously rotates it during the remainder of the process. The rotation is the sole reason as to why pearls are smooth and circular in shape. Although, there are times that an organic matter will somehow get stuck on the pearl’s surface causing it to have random bumps and grooves once the process is complete.
Final product
The duration of this process varies with each type of pearl. Saltwater pearls usually take up to 20 years to form. On the other hand, freshwater pearls only require one to six years before they’re fully developed. The longer the pearl stays inside the oyster, the more massive it gets because of the continuous rotation and secretion of nacre.
Cultured pearls
Cultured pearls, however, usually need 36 months before they’re ready for harvesting. Heaps of people thought that harvesting pearls would inadvertently kill the oyster. That’s just hearsay! Pearl farmers use surgical methods in extracting pearls from oysters to avoid harming or killing them.
They also embed an irritant, specifically, a tiny piece of another oyster’s ‘mantle’ (an organ that produces an oyster’s shell and nacre) and a round shell or bead. Some say a grain of sand can also pass as an irritant—which is entirely untrue. An irritant must at least cause some sort of disturbance on an oyster’s mantle for it to secrete nacre.
Pearls are the ocean’s answer to sparkling diamonds and other gemstones found on land. They’re one of nature’s magnificent gifts for everyone to appreciate.
What do you think of pearls? Leave your comments below!
