44170
Title Of Article Chaper
The history and gemology of Queen conch pearls
Title Of Journal Book
Gems and gemology
Pages
208-221
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
Conch pearls are calcareous concretions produced by the Queen conch mollusk, <i>Strombus gigas</i>, which is found in various areas of the Caribbean. Although conch pearls occur in a range of colors, the pink are usually the most desirable. Pearls over 10 ct are rare, but they have been observed as large as 45 ct. They sometimes exhibit a porcelain-like luster and an unusual characteristic called flame structure, which made pink conch pearls quite popular as jewelry at the turn of the last century. This article reviews the history of the conch pearl, discusses <i>S. gigas</i> and its fisheries, and examines the gemological properties and other characteristics of this attractive material. -- AATA
Keywords
Queen conch (<i>Strombus gigas</i>) Pearl Carribean Sea;Gem Pearl AATA
pub_id
44170