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?

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 2 years ago

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