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Extracting the Ocean's Iridescence: The Journey of Mother-of-Pearl 

Mother-of-pearl's beauty isn't simply a gift of nature, it's the result of a fascinating biological process. Unlike pearls, which form around an irritant inside a mollusk's shell, mother-of-pearl is the iridescent inner layer of the mollusk's shell itself. As the mollusk grows, it deposits thin layers of calcium carbonate in a concentric pattern. This intricate layering, combined with microscopic aragonite crystals, creates the light-diffracting phenomenon that gives mother-of-pearl its signature shimmering quality. 

Extracting mother-of-pearl involves carefully harvesting mollusk shells, primarily oysters, mussels, and abalone. Sustainable practices are crucial here, and reputable pearl farms ensure responsible harvesting that minimizes environmental impact. Once harvested, the shells are cleaned and processed to separate the outer shell layer from the precious mother-of-pearl beneath. As it's also known, this...