Pearls

     Pearls, once thought to be the "tears of the gods", are grown as a "reaction" of an oyster or mussel to an irritant that gets lodged in its shell.  Layers, known as "nacre", are made of Aragonite, which is secreted around the irritant, gradually builds to form the solid pearl.  Cultured pearls are created by outside introduction of a small bead or grain of sand to the oyster or mussel's inside skin layer.
     Pearls vary in color from white to a hint of color (most often as pink), to a brown or black, depending upon the type of mollusk and the water.  
     Pearls are sensitive to acids, dryness and humidity, and are less durable than other gems. 

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