Explain the differences between aragonite and conchiolin. How are these differences significant when it comes to...

Explain the differences between aragonite and conchiolin. How are these differences significant when it comes to the creation of pearls?

Solutions

Expert Solution

PEARL is often considered a gemstone, although it is not a mineral. Rather, pearl is a composite of the mineral Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate) and the organic compound conchiolin (a protein). The combination is called nacre, or mother-of-pearl. In some cases, there is an admixture of the mineral calcite (another mineral composed of Calcium Carbonate). In pearl oysters and freshwater pearl mussels, nacre forms the inner lining of the shell. In most other molluscs the shell has an appearance more like porcelain, and lacks the luster and iridescence of mother-of-pearl.

A pearl is formed inside these molluscs when minute hexagonal crystals of aragonite and conchiolin (as a binder) are deposited over an irritant. As a composite, it is tougher than the aragonite from which it's formed, and the layered nature of the structure contributes to the luster of the pearl.

An ideal pearl is spherical, but other shapes are common. A pearl may even become cemented against the inner wall of the shell, and eventually become a blister pearl.

queen_honey_blossom answered 1 year ago

Next > < Previous

Related Solutions

What are the major differences between a static model and a dynamic model when it comes...

What are the major differences between a static model and a dynamic model when it comes to valuation of natural resources? In your opinion, which model is more suitable for valuating depletable natural resources? And why? What are the main factors that could affect the valuation of natural resources? Use example(s) if necessary.

What are the differences between dismissal and discharge when it comes to individual terminations? (200 word...

What are the differences between dismissal and discharge when it comes to individual terminations? (200 word count)

What are the differences between significant influence investments and controlling investments? For the former, how to...

What are the differences between significant influence investments and controlling investments? For the former, how to account for the investment, whereas for the latter how to account for the investment? What are the major reasons to control another company?

1. There is no difference between the CPM and PERT technique when it comes to how...

1. There is no difference between the CPM and PERT technique when it comes to how the activity time for each node is determined. T/F 2. In Project Management, it is important to monitor activities that are not on the critical path. T/F 3. Which if the following statements regarding Critical Path Analysis is true? a. The shortest of all paths through the network is the critical path. b. Some activities on the critical path may have slack. c. There...

“When differences between countries’ factor endowments are significant the inter-industry trade will dominate trade flows, but...

“When differences between countries’ factor endowments are significant the inter-industry trade will dominate trade flows, but when these differences are small or non-existent the intra-industry trade will tend to dominate trade flows.” Do you agree or disagree? Evaluate fully. Make sure you outline the key theory (ies) of intra-industry trade in answering this question.

Finance & Real Estate Explain the essential difference when it comes to risk between a CMBS...

Finance & Real Estate Explain the essential difference when it comes to risk between a CMBS and a MBS containing residential mortgages.

Would you agree that there are generational differences when it comes to communication preferences and the...

Would you agree that there are generational differences when it comes to communication preferences and the level of formality in writing and communications? And, can you find research to support your position on this?

In your own words, explain the differences between a broker, a dealer, and a specialist. When...

In your own words, explain the differences between a broker, a dealer, and a specialist. When can a specialist act like a dealer and when can he act like a broker? Provide an example.

SOCIOLOGY Discuss the differences in offending by gender when it comes to violent crime and property...

SOCIOLOGY Discuss the differences in offending by gender when it comes to violent crime and property crime, especially. How might gender stereotypes play into these statistics? And what theory of crime may best explain these differences and why? This is an essay question, so please include multiple paragraphs.

Explain the rationale how one can determine significant differences among sample or treatment means using the...

Explain the rationale how one can determine significant differences among sample or treatment means using the variances within and between the samples.

Subjects