Saltwater Pearl Gem Guide and Properties Chart

Akoya, Sea of Cortez, South Sea, and Tahitian Pearls are all cultured from saltwater oysters and are the most notable varieties of saltwater pearls. These pearls are harvested from saltwater marine environments and are more valuable than the freshwater pearl varieties.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Saltwater Pearl

Species

Pearl

Transparency

Opaque-Translucent

Refractive Index

1.530-1.685

Birefringence

0.155

Optic Character

Optic Sign

Polariscope Reaction

Aggregate (AGG)

Fluorescence

SWUV: Variable
LWUV: Variable

CCF Reaction

None

Pleochroism

None

Streak

white

Toughness

Good

Inclusions

If the pearl is drilled you can inspect the hole to look for bead nucleus.

Luster

Metallic, Dull, Pearly

Stability

Poor

Fracture

Uneven

Cleavage

None

Chemical Name

calcium carbonate + conchiolin and water

Chemical Formula

CaCO₃

Crystal System

Chemistry Classification

Organic

Saltwater Pearl Colors

Multi-color
White
Blue
Black
Yellow
Gray

Alternate Names

South Sea Pearl, Tahitian Pearl, Akoya Pearl, Sea of Cortez Pearl, Seed Pearl, Abalone Pearl

Countries of Origin

Unknown; China; Italy

Care

Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.