Cultured freshwater pearls
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Cultured freshwater pearls
Cultured pearls from freshwater mussels. Pearls are accretions of nacre (calcium carbonate) secreted by certain oysters and mussels. The presence of a foreign body (such as a parasite or a grain of sand) within the shell triggers the secretion of nacre by the molluscs mantle. Thin layers are deposited on the irritant particle and, over several years, a pearl is formed. Although commercially valuable pearls are obtained from freshwater mussels and oysters, the precious pearl comes from species of Margaritifera oysters found in tropical oceans. Cultured pearls are cultivated by inserting fragments of clam shell into the shells of farmed mussels and oysters
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Media ID 6344139
© VAUGHAN FLEMING/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cultured Fresh Water Nacre Pearl
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the exquisite beauty of cultured freshwater pearls. Each pearl is a testament to the intricate process by which these natural wonders are formed. Originating from certain oysters and mussels, pearls are created when a foreign body, such as a parasite or grain of sand, enters the shell and triggers the mollusc's mantle to secrete layers of nacre. Over several years, thin layers of nacre accumulate around the irritant particle, resulting in the creation of a stunning pearl. While commercially valuable pearls can be obtained from both freshwater mussels and oysters, it is species of Margaritifera oysters found in tropical oceans that produce truly precious pearls. In this particular image, we witness nature's artistry as fragments of clam shell have been carefully inserted into farmed mussels and oysters to cultivate these remarkable cultured pearls. The result is an array of lustrous gems that showcase their iridescent hues under any light. Science Photo Library has captured this moment with exceptional precision and detail. As we admire this photograph, let us marvel at the wonders hidden beneath our ocean's surface – where nature's creativity meets human ingenuity to create timeless treasures like these cultured freshwater pearls.
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