# Pearl

Pearl is a shiny gem that forms inside oysters. They are often round and can be white, pink, or black!

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

![Pearl](https://media.snappit.app/site-media-v1/1bbff6a1b79aa7d38f49bacaf736f881db4c33f53da91276da27457902583bb2/image-560x560/w-560.webp)

## Appearance

The Pearl is typically a rounded or irregular gem, famous for its unique iridescent shimmer called 'orient'. It comes in various soft colors, from classic white and cream to exotic black or blue, distinct from the sharp facets of other gems.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Ancient Romans prized pearls, believing they brought wisdom, wealth, and love.
- Did you know natural pearls are incredibly rare, found in less than 1 in 10,000 oysters?
- Pearls are often dissolved in vinegar because they are mostly calcium carbonate!
- The world's largest known pearl, the Pearl of Allah, weighs over 14 pounds!

## Special abilities

- **Iridescent Glow:** Pearl has microscopic layers of aragonite and conchiolin that refract light, creating its soft, unique 'orient' shimmer.
- **Organic Formation:** Pearl is one of the few gems created by a living mollusk secreting nacre layers, making it naturally grown.
- **Smooth Defense:** Pearl's smooth, compact layers of nacre provide a resilient surface, helping it resist minor wear.

## Measurements & details

- **Color Range:** white, cream, pink, silver, yellow, green, blue, black, purple
- **Hardness:** 2.5
- **Luster:** pearly (orient)
- **Specific Gravity:** 2.7
- **Crystal System:** amorphous

## Traits

- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Gemstone](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gemstone): A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)
- [Minerals & Rocks](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals-and-rocks)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Pearl?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What colors can Pearl be?

white, cream, pink, silver, yellow, green, blue, black, purple

### How hard is Pearl?

2.5

### What kind of luster does Pearl have?

pearly (orient)

### What is Pearl's specific gravity?

2.7

### What crystal system does Pearl belong to?

amorphous

## Where to spot

- [Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/natchitoches-national-fish-hatchery-louisiana) — Louisiana, US · Zoo
- [Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/natchitoches-national-fish-hatchery) — Louisiana, US · Aquarium

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Pearl: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pearl)