Paua Shell, ormer, abalone, Haliotidae, Haliotis iris, mother-of-pearl- New Zealand - random pick
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| Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
| Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
| Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
Product information
Haliotis are marine gastropods. They carry one shell, and have one large, very muscular foot with which they attach themselves to rocky surfaces.
The name Haliotis derives from the Greek, meaning sea ear, and along one side of the shells are small holes for expelling water in the aeration of the gills.
The shell is made up of three layers: a very thin outer layer of conchiolin (a tough, insoluble protein secreted by molluscs, forming the organic matrix of the shell), under which is a chalky-looking rough material and beneath that is the coloured nacre (mother-of-pearl).
In jewellers shops, paua shells can be found; the expensive paua shell items, set in precious metals and with gemstones.
Natural paua pearls do exist, but they are always concretions produced by the animal outside the mantle and are inevitably very oddly shaped (see below).
The success rate of the pearl production is not high. Only 10% will produce a marketable blister pearl covered with nacre, and only 2% will produce a smooth one of top quality and colour.
Nature's humour.
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All purchases are final. Returns not accepted.
