I'm supposed to classify different compounds by determining whether or not they are a mineral. They have to follow the mineral criteria (occur naturally, inorganic, solid, posess an orderly internal structure, and have a definite chemical composition). Please help me!
2006-09-06 14:03:20 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Pearl
Any mollusk-formed calcareous concretion that displays an orient and is lustrous. There are two major groups of bivalved mollusks in which gem pearls may form: the saltwater pearl oyster (Pinctada), and a number of genera of fresh-water clams. Usually, jewelers refer to salt-water pearls as Oriental pearls, regardless of their place of discovery, and to those from fresh-water bivalves as fresh-water pearls.
Between the body mass and the valves of the mollusk extends a curtainlike tissue called the mantle. In order for a pearl to form, a tiny object such as a parasite or a grain of sand must work through the mantle. When this happens, secretion of nacre around the invading object builds a pearl within the body of the mollusk. Whole pearls form within the body mass of the mollusk, in contrast to blister pearls, which form as protrusions on the inner surface of the shell. Edible oysters produce lusterless concretions, but never pearls.
The substitute for natural pearls, to which the name cultured pearl has been given, is usually made by inserting a large bead into a mollusk to be coated with nacre.
2006-09-06 14:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, pearls are created by living animals called mollusks
2006-09-06 14:08:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
check out this website
2006-09-06 14:30:58 · answer #3 · answered by ! 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
YES!!!
2006-09-06 22:58:39 · answer #4 · answered by noobgirl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋