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SeanH April 11, 2010

What are natural pearls? How are they formed?

I've heard about cultured pearls quite often, but I never understood what natural pearls are and how they are formed. Could someone please explain?

Answers (1 - 2 of 2)

VascoA May 12, 2010

All pearls are generated by real oysters, but natural pearls are created without human interference. Random conditions induce this process inside the oyster.

TroyO May 4, 2010

Natural pearls are composed of 100% calcium carbonate and conchiolin. Natural pearls are created as a result of a set of accidental conditions when a microscopic parasite penetrates into a bivalve mollusk, settling in the mollusk's shell, which causes the mollusk to become irritated, thus secreting the calcium carbonate and conchiolin to cover the irritant. This secretion process is repeated and a pearl is formed. Natural pearls are quite rarely used in pearl jewelry today, ever since cultured pearls were introduced about a century ago.