Why do oysters and some mussels make pearls?
Quick Answer
Pearls form when an irritant or damaged tissue triggers layers of nacre around it. The oyster or mussel is essentially coating the intrusion to protect itself.
The Full Story
Pearls develop when a mollusk coats an irritant, parasite, or injury with layers of nacre, also called mother-of-pearl. The animal produces this smooth, protective material as part of its normal shell-building process. Over time, many thin layers accumulate and can create a pearl. Not every pearl forms around a grain of sand, but the idea is a useful simplification of the process. Natural pearls are rare, which is one reason they have been valued in jewelry for centuries.
Key Facts
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"How a mollusk turns irritation into jewelry"
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