Mother of Pearl
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Organic Gems
Mohs Hardness
2.5 – 4.5
Specific Gravity
2.65 – 2.87
Refractive Index
1.53 – 1.69
Luster
Pearly
Color
various
Birefringence
0.16
Mohs Hardness
| Mohs | Reference mineral | Mother of Pearl |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | ● |
| 4 | Fluorite | ● |
| 5 | Apatite | |
| 6 | Orthoclase | |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Mother of Pearl
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
About Mother of Pearl
珍珠母（贝母）是双壳类软体动物贝壳最内层的光泽层，由文石碳酸钙薄板与有机蛋白质交替叠层组成，形成干涉光产生晕彩（珠光）的结构色效应。珍珠母的色彩因软体动物种类不同而各异，从乳白色、金黄色到黑色均有，南洋珍珠母和黑珍珠母（来自黑蝶贝）尤为名贵。自古以来，珍珠母广泛用于首饰镶嵌、乐器装饰、纽扣制造和精美器皿，是人类使用最悠久的天然装饰材料之一，在中国传统工艺中也有着极为重要的地位。
On this page
Jewelry Use
Durability
1/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mother of Pearl?
珍珠母（贝母）是双壳类软体动物贝壳最内层的光泽层，由文石碳酸钙薄板与有机蛋白质交替叠层组成，形成干涉光产生晕彩（珠光）的结构色效应。珍珠母的色彩因软体动物种类不同而各异，从乳白色、金黄色到黑色均有，南洋珍珠母和黑珍珠母（来自黑蝶贝）尤为名贵。自古以来，珍珠母广泛用于首饰镶嵌、乐器装饰、纽扣制造和精美器皿，是人类使用最悠久的天然装饰材料之一，在中国传统工艺中也有着极为重要的地位。
What is the hardness of Mother of Pearl?
Mother of Pearl has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5, making it relatively soft for use in jewelry.
What color is Mother of Pearl?
Mother of Pearl is primarily Various.
How much does Mother of Pearl cost?
Mother of Pearl falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
How do you care for Mother of Pearl?
Mother of Pearl is relatively soft and should be handled with care. Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.