The iridescent substance that forms the lining of the shells of some fresh- and salt-water mollusks. Also referred to as “nacre.†Chief sources are the pearl oyster, found in warm and tropical seas, mainly in Asia; freshwater pearl mussels, which live in many rivers of the United States, Europe, and Asia; and the abalone of California, Japan, and other Pacific regions.
Mother of pearl†is the pearl lining of an oyster. Only mollusks that have this lining can produce pearls. This lining is also used as inlay in jewelry and other ornamental items.
a novel about the truths of life and love
Type of inlay using a form of shellfish material
The iridescent lining of an oyster shell, often used as a nucleus for a cultured pearl.
The iridescent lining of the inside of a mollusk's shell. Often used as decorative pieces, such as buttons.
The lining of an oyster shell, mother of pearl is used as the nucleus bead implanted inside the mollusk along with the mantle to produce pearls.
The iridescent substance that forms the shell lining of some fresh-water and some salt-water molluscs. It is usually white, although it can be found in darker shades. Where we have pink or blue versions, we dye the Mother of Pearl.
This antique white substance forms on the lining of shells in some fresh-water and salt-water mollusks. Like pearl, it is a secretion of the mantle.
The lining of a seashell that exhibits iridescence.
Mother of pearl is the common name for iridescent nacre, a blend of minerals that are secreted by oysters and other mollusks and deposited inside their shells, coating and protecting their bodies from parasites and foreign objects.
Mother of Pearl (1999) is a novel by Melinda Haynes, and was chosen as an Oprah's Book Club selection, June 1999.