Abalone Shell 5-10 Chip Bead - 15-16 InchAbalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering absorbing the energy of the blow. The inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre (mother of pearl), which in many species is highly iridescent, which make the shells attractive as decorative objects, jewelry, and as a source of colorful mother of pearl.

this gemstone in its polished state looks like what it would be like to capture smoke in a stone -- bottomless black mixed with white wisps

Silver Plated

Von Prehn discovered the stone in South Africa in 1774

the inner lining (nacre) can be iridescent

white and black

commonly with inclusions of copper in speckled patterns throughout the stone

with inclusions of amazonite (causing the pale blue-green color) and tourmaline (the black spots)

use it for anklets

with inclusions that appear in patterns similar to moss or lichen

Round Nose Pliers

creating striking veins of deep blue to sky blue hues often interlaced with white or colorless streaks

” Most deep red Carnelian has been heat treated to darken the beautiful orange and red tints that are created by iron oxides in the stone