Mother of pearl

English
Mother of Pearl

Origin
Australia

Introduction
Mother-of-pearl's main chemical component is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), formed by the inner layer of mollusks, and contains small amounts of organic matter and keratin. Its surface has a natural iridescent sheen that displays soft, rainbow-like colors with light refraction, and it is also called "pearl shell" or "mother-of-pearl."

Mother-of-pearl has been an important decorative and craft material since ancient times. Ancient Egypt, Persia, and China used it to create jewelry, musical instruments, and religious artifacts, symbolizing purity, protection, and wealth. In medieval Europe, mother-of-pearl was often inlaid into royal furniture and sacred vessels, exuding an aura of nobility and divinity. Its gentle and delicate luster also makes it a representative material symbolizing oceanic energy and gentle inclusiveness.