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Abalone Shell

Shell

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: October 2021
Abalone Shell Polished Abalone Shell Rough Abalone Shell Jewelry
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Abalone Shell Colors
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • More About Abalone Shell

Abalone belongs to the phylum Mollusca and the class Gastropida (snails). Abalone has been highly prized as a food source for the Pacific Rim cultures and the meat is considered a delicacy. The Māori people of New Zealand call it Pāua. The shells and pearls from the animal are brightly colored and highly iridescent. The shells have been used for ornamentation and decoration from the earliest times. The name abalone is derived from the Spanish word abulón. The Spanish referred to this marine mollusk as oreja de mar which means sea ear.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Abalone Shell
Species
Shell
Transparency
Translucent - Opaque
Refractive Index
1.530-1.685
Birefringence
0.155
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Variable
LWUV: Variable
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
3.5
Specific Gravity
2.700-2.890 Typical:2.860
Toughness
Fair
Inclusions
Abalone shell cameos will show concave backs due to structure of the shell. Shells will display iridescence or strong orient and will have parallel growth structure. Abalone shell is darker in color than mother-of-pearl and has a gray backgound.
Luster
Greasy, Pearly
Fracture
Uneven, Splintery
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
calcium carbonate, conchiolin and water
Chemical Formula
CaCO3 with H2O and other organic materials
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Organic

Abalone Shell Colors

  • Black Abalone Shell
    Black
  • Multi-color Abalone Shell
    Multi-color
  • Green Abalone Shell
    Green
  • Gray Abalone Shell
    Gray
  • Blue Abalone Shell
    Blue
  • Bi-color Abalone Shell
    Bi-color

Alternate Names

Paua Shell

Countries of Origin

Argentina; Japan; Philippines; United States of America; Thailand; India; Spain; New Zealand; Korea (the Republic of); Unknown; China; Brazil; Mexico; South Africa; Australia; France; Indonesia

History

The Native American tribes of North America have been using abalone shells for decorative items for over 10,000 years. The shells were fashioned as circular coins called “whello” that were used as a currency for trade. The “whello” have been found in Native American archaeological sites in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. In 1870 a button factory was established in San Francisco to create buttons out of the shells that were distributed throughout the United States and Europe. Abalone shells are especially popular as a souvenir from the areas in California where the shells are harvested and made into silver jewelry.

Care

Abalone and abalone pearl are relatively soft, so they're often placed in protective settings. Remember that these are organic gems and should be treated with extra care. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner or use chemicals. Store this gemstone in a soft fabric away from other gems to ensure its protection.

More About Abalone Shell

The folkloric benefits attributed to abalone apply to both the pearls and the shells (in most instances). Some believe that abalone may be beneficial in difficult, emotionally charged situations because the purported properties include a calming effect and the creation of a stable atmosphere. Some believe the abalone pearl brings a sense of calming and relaxation because it comes from the ocean. To those who believe in the metaphysical, abalone is credited with the ability to do a great deal. Our favorite legend says that holding a piece of abalone will help you appreciate the beauty around you. Wearing a piece of lovely abalone jewelry is certainly a way to add beauty to your world!

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