Nacre (/ ˈneɪkər / NAY-kər, also / ˈnækrə / NAK-rə), [1] also known as mother-of-pearl, is an organic–inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is also the material of which pearls are composed. It is strong, resilient, and iridescent.

Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is a material that has been around since the Ming Dynasties. It consists of nacre-coated inner-shell and nacre-lined shells that are made up of aragonite platelets arranged in hexagonal patterns.

Apr 23, 2021 · Nacre is the outer coating of a pearl. When an oyster is nucleated, the nucleus is irritating to the shell. In order to protect itself from this irritant, the oyster secretes nacre around the nucleus to protect itself from the foreign object.

Nacre is what gives pearls their unique radiance and shine. One of the most important value factors of pearl quality, good quality nacre leads to magnificent pearls.

Nacre is what gives pearls and shells their unique, reflective look and makes these products of nature truly special. But what exactly is nacre? Here’s a quick rundown. Nacre is also called mother-of-pearl and can be found on the external surface of a pearl or the internal lining of shells.

Analysis revealed a large internal cavity filled with liquid, gas, and organic material. The nacre thickness averaged 2.3 mm, and the bead measured 9.1 mm, both well within the typical ranges for South Sea cultured pearls.

Both White and Golden South Sea pearls feature gorgeous natural colors, the largest pearl sizes and the thickest nacre of all but can get expensive. Freshwater pearls are solid nacre, but getting your hands on a strand of perfectly round pearls with mirror-like luster is difficult.

Nacre — also known as mother-of-pearl — is a thin layer that coats the inside of pearl oysters and other mollusks. So what gives pearls their value? In part, it's because of the unique way they're formed.

Apr 8, 2025 · The pearl-making process begins when a foreign particle, like a grain of sand or a tiny parasite, finds its way into the oyster’s shell. This uninvited guest irritates the oyster, much like a pebble in a shoe.To protect itself, the oyster’s mantle tissue, which is responsible for shell formation, starts to secrete nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, around the irritant.

Feb 16, 2012 · Mother of pearl or nacre, such as this from a New Zealand Paua shell, is one of nature’s wonder materials. Made by a host of mollusks, the material has proven to be an accurate barometer of environmental conditions as signatures of both water temperature and water depth reside in the material, according to new research by UW–Madison ...