Pearl 
CaCO3 - Calcium Carbonate
Pearl is formed in shellfish as a reactant to an irritant such as a piece of sand. Cultured pearls are created by adding a piece of mussel or shell inside of an oyster of mussel. This then creates a pearl as layers of the inside of the shell grow over the added substance. Pearls are generally white, brown, silver, cream, black or pink depending on the type of shellfish and water.
Natural pearls are the most expensive, followed by cultured pearls. Fresh water pearls tend to be relatively inexpensive.
While pearls generally are thought of as white in color, they also can be found in colors ranging from pink to black. The famed South Seas and Tahitian black pearls are rare (and very expensive), with some of them among the largest pearls available, up to 18 and 20 millimeters. The most common size is about seven millimeters. More on...
Colors: White, brown, silver, cream, black or pink depending on the type of shellfish and water. Black mother-of-pearl is light to dark grey and white mother-of-pearl is white. Both varieties possess a pearlescent sheen.
Lustre:
System:
2.092 State gemstone.
The fresh-water pearl is named and designated the state gemstone of Kentucky.
Effective: July 15, 1986
History: Created 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 488, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986.
The pearl, taken from mussels in the fresh water rivers of the state, is the official state gem, as designated by 1979 Public Chapter 192 of the 91st General Assembly. During the years between 1882 and 1914, beautiful pearls were taken from many of the state's streams, from the Pigeon and Holston in the east to the Forked Deer and Obion in the west. The Caney Fork in Middle Tennessee was noted for its pearl-bearing mussels, and “pearling” was a favorite sport for young people on Sunday afternoons at the turn of the century. Tennessee river pearls are of all colors and they are “natural” as the mussel made them—all pearl, all the way through. They have been found in various shapes—spherical, pear-shaped, and baroque or irregular. After World War I, dams were built on many of the rivers, and the mussels lost their swift and shallow shoals. Also, the waters became more toxic and pearling became unprofitable. Today, pearling exists as a byproduct of shell harvests which supply the cultivated pearl industry of Japan. Tennessee river pearls are among the most beautiful and durable in the world. At Camden in West Tennessee, these river pearls are collected and crafted into rings, cuff links, stick pins, and other jewelry. Tennessee River Pearls
Care and Treatment
Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity. If you wear cosmetics and/or perfume, put these on before wearing your pearl jewelry. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to not get water into the drill hole as the pearl may discolor. Dry your pearls flat on an absorbant soft (preferably lint-free) towel.
Always store your pearl necklaces flat as the silk will stretch. Store pearls separately from other jewelry as they will scratch. Store pearls in a dry environment. Avoid using plastic bags (as moisture may get trapped and cause damage).
"Roman pearls" are really glass bead pearls.
Hardness
Pearl has a hardness of 3.5 to 4.0
Specific Gravity: 2.65 - 2.78
Healing
Eliminates emotional imbalances; helps one master the heart chakra; aids stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems.
Where Found
Natural Pearls have been harvested from the Red Sea, Gulf of Manaar, and the Persian Gulf. The coasts of Australia and Polynesia produce mostly cultured pearls. Fresh water pearls occur in many rivers in places such as: Austria, France, Scotland, Ireland, and the USA (Florida, Mississippi River, California, Delaware)
Birthstone Months
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June: Modern and Ayurvedic Birthstone
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November: Mystical Birthstone
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Star Stone Months
Anniversary Gemstone
Mystical Properties
Pearl is said to help one see themselves and help improve self-worth. Giving a loved one a gift of natural pearls is one of the nicest gifts one can give. It allows the wearer to see the love of the person who gave them the pearls
Lore
Pearls were once thought to be the tears of God.
The ancient Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying.
Pearl is often referred to as the "Queen Gem"; Diamond is referred to as the King Gem.
The beauty and desirability of pearls dates back many years. An old tale says that Cleopatra placed a pearl in a glass of wine, and when it dissolved she drank it to impress Marc Anthony. Pearls were prized by royalty, both male and female, and were even worn by knights who went into battle in the Middle Ages, believing that pearls would protect them from harm.
As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the Pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness. They often symbolize a happy marriage and in many countries are used as a wedding gift.
Tennessee Pearl is the US State Gemstone of Tennessee.
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