Pearl

Pearl exhibits good toughness thanks to its compact layers of nacre, effectively absorbing impacts in everyday use.

Pearl is classified as 'Sensitive' for daily use due to its vulnerability to water, sunlight, dryness, heat, stains, and chemicals which can all lead to irreversible damage.

The unique luster of pearls depends upon the reflection, refraction, and diffraction of light from the translucent layers. The thinner and more numerous the layers in the pearl, the finer the luster. The iridescence that pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface. In addition, pearls (especially cultured freshwater pearls) can be dyed yellow, green, blue, brown, pink, purple, or black. The very best pearls have a metallic mirror-like luster. Because pearls are made primarily of calcium carbonate, they can be dissolved in vinegar. Calcium carbonate is susceptible to even a weak acid solution because the crystals react with the acetic acid in the vinegar to form calcium acetate and carbon dioxide.

Pearl has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It is formed into beads and sewn onto clothing. The material is also used to create inlay highlights on instruments like guitars and bows. When it is laminated, pearl can be incorporated into mosaics and other decorations.

Coveted by humans for thousands of years, pearl has been considered a magical and enigmatic gemstone with many folktales and myths about its creation. For example, ancient Chinese associated pearls with dragons, while one legend says that Eve's tears turned to pearls when she was banished from Eden. In ancient Rome, pearl was so valued that the law limited wearing them only to the ruling class.

The English word pearl comes from the French perle, originally from the Latin perna meaning leg, after the ham- or mutton leg-shaped bivalve. The scientific name for the family of pearl-bearing oysters, Margaritiferidae comes from the Old Persian word for pearl *margārīta- which is the source of the English name Margaret.

The pearl provides a calming effect when used on the Crown and Heart chakras. It is believed to enhance integrity, concentration, and focus. Many believe the stone brings better insight and wisdom, allowing for a greater understanding of one's self and others. It is intended as an emotional healing stone to help remove negativity and allow more positive energy to flow through.

Pearl is the birthstone for June. It represents purity, humility, and innocence. These three traits are commonly associated with newlyweds, which is why this stone is often incorporated into wedding decorations and gifts for the bride. It is also the traditional gift for a 30-year wedding anniversary because just like the relationship, a pearl takes a long time to grow.