Mother-of-Pearl vs. Shell, what is the difference between mother of pearl and shell? The general public thinks they are the same thing, which is somewhat true, but not entirely, so let me help you clear up the confusion below.
Is the mother-of-pearl and shell the same thing?
Put simply, the mother-of-pearl is the layers of nacre on the inside of the shell.
Definition of shells
Shells are the outer shells of mollusks that live near the water’s edge, calcified material that protects the soft parts of the body, formed by secretions from a special epithelial cell of the mollusk.
Compared with natural calcium carbonate minerals in nature, shells have a unique multi-scale, multi-level “brick-mud” assembly structure, and because of its multi-level layered structure with good toughness, strength, and other excellent characteristics. Shell is composed of about 95% CaCO3 and 5% organic matter.
Shell is a common mineral that is part of the shell of marine mollusks. It has high hardness and durability, and can also be used to make jewelry, decorations, ornaments, handicrafts, and so on. In addition, shells are also used as building and decorative materials.
Definition of Mother-of-Pearl
Nacre, another academic name for Mother-of-Pearl, is an iridescent substance that forms inside the shells of many mollusks, such as mussels and pearl oysters.
As a defense mechanism, mollusks secrete pearls to ward off irritants and abrasions that enter the shell. Made from aragonite (a type of calcium carbonate), pearls are also made from aragonite, making them strong, flexible, and iridescent.
Mother-of-pearl material is generally found in the outer layer of the pearl and the inner layer of the shell of the pearl oyster or freshwater pearl mollusk.
After their definitions above, let’s make a summary of the similarities and differences between mother-of-pearl and shell.
Mother-of-Pearl vs. Shell, what is the difference?
Mother-of-pearl is the inner lining of the shell, which is also called the “nacreous layer”. It is secreted by the epithelial cells that line the outer coat membrane of mollusks, and these are the same cells that wrap around parasitic invaders to protect them and form the pearl.
Mother-of-pearl is a part of the shell’s body, not the shell. The shell is the outer shell of a mollusk, a calcified substance formed by the secretion of a special glandular cell that protects the soft parts of the body.
Mother-of-Pearl vs. Shell, what are the similarities?
1. The composition is the same, the main component is CaCO3, plus a small amount of organic matter.
2. Jewelry and architectural decoration, have the same effect and bring colorfulness to people’s lives.
3. The same external luster, and color variety, themselves have a natural iridescent luster. They are usually grey, white, green, blue, brown, etc., and can also be dyed.
4. Both Mother-of-Pearl and shell are used in the stud inlay process and have a long history.
5. Natural symbolism has the same point, both represent the good blessing, rich and noble.
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