Designers devote a large amount of time to the color scheme in the interior of a room. Using combinations of shades creates a beautiful design, but if you make a mistake, you can get the opposite effect. If you want to get original colors on the surface, you can choose a pearlescent color. More details about the features of using pearl tones will be discussed below.
Description and characteristics
This is a simple diagram of what nacre looks like on a microscopic scale.
Mother of pearl consists of hexagonal plates of aragonite (crystals of calcium carbonate CaCO3) measuring 10-20 microns wide and 0.5 microns thick, arranged in parallel layers. These layers are separated by sheets of organic matrix composed of elastic biopolymers (such as chitin, lustrin and silk-like proteins).
Light passing along the axis of one of the crystals is reflected and refracted by other crystals, creating a rainbow effect. This can also be explained by the fact that the thickness of aragonite crystals is comparable to the wavelength of visible light and therefore light of different wavelengths experiences numerous and varied interference, resulting in different colors depending on the viewing angle.
Rainbow Nautilus Mother of Pearl
Mother-of-pearl is softer in structure and is much easier to find in nature than pearls. But their differences do not end there - unlike pearls, nacre does not come in a round shape.
The mineral has the following physical properties:
- hardness on the Mohs scale - 2.5-4 units;
- density - 2.7 g/cm3;
- luster - glassy;
- transparency - opaque.
Mother-of-pearl is created by sea and river mollusks, and sea mollusks are more valuable, as they come in different shades.
River mother-of-pearl is only white.
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Historical reference
Mother-of-pearl inlay is found in Egyptian pyramids; a seven-thousand-year-old necklace made of this mineral, made by Mesopotamian craftsmen, was found in modern Iraq.
In the East, the favorite was the white variety of stone.
Alavaster inlaid with mother of pearl
It was believed that mother of pearl is a mineral of such power that it can easily teach the owner to recognize people’s thoughts. No wonder the eccentric Roman dictator Nero ordered the walls of his residence to be covered with iridescent plates.
Aesculapians of the ancient world used the powder as an antiseptic for wounds. This was its main meaning for a person of that time, when countries were constantly at war with each other.
Medieval healers made pearl dust the basis of tinctures and potions. The mineral was used to decorate temple interiors and utensils. However, the stone played a cruel joke on many clergy in Europe. Having come up with the idea of selling weightless particles scraped from shells as “angel feathers,” they quickly became rich. After which they renounced their rank, becoming laymen.
A curiosity from the East captivated the Russian and European nobility at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries. Iridescent tabletops of dressing tables, snuff boxes, and boxes decorated boudoirs and offices.
Maria Stuart assembled a complete set of mineral accessories. The Hermitage keeps the mother-of-pearl collection of the Russian empress Catherine the Great, hundreds of copies.
Many people identify mother-of-pearl with pearls. But pearls appear when a foreign object gets inside the pearl shell. If nothing penetrates the valves, the secretion produced by the mollusk grows on the walls of its shell. This forms an iridescent iridescent layer several millimeters thick. It's called mother of pearl.
Use in interior decoration
It is surface finishing that is most often used when it comes to mother of pearl. This is an opportunity to easily achieve elegance in the interior, which can be diversified with bright colors.
It is surface finishing that is most often used when it comes to mother of pearl.
Ceiling, floor and walls
Manufacturers are pleased with mother-of-pearl lovers with tiled flooring material, which has become fashionable in the interior. The ceiling shimmering with colors will create a feeling of mystery, so you can recreate the sunset, sky, space on the ceiling, which children will like.
But wall decoration is more popular, the advantages of this option are as follows:
- The walls will look elegant and rich;
- Using wallpaper will feel like silk on the base;
- Under different lighting levels, the shade will be different.
You can cover the walls with paint, varnish, or use special plaster solutions that will help cover the imperfections of the base. When using the first two materials, it is worth remembering that mother-of-pearl highlights flaws, so the base must be well leveled.
There is a huge amount of wallpaper with a pearl tint on sale, with and without a pattern, it will not be difficult to find a suitable option.
The ceiling shimmering with colors will create a feeling of mystery.
Production
The main places where mother-of-pearl shells are mined are the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, Ceylon, Japan, Borneo and the Philippines, and some tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean. Often these shells are a by-product of cultured pearl production.
Inner mother-of-pearl layer of the pearl barley shell
Mother of pearl is also extracted from some freshwater mollusks, in particular pearl barley.
Before the use of synthetic pigments and polymers to imitate mother-of-pearl, from the middle of the 17th century, “pearl essence” (a suspension of silver pigment washed from the scales of some fish, in particular bleak, in gelatin) was widely used, which was used as a mother-of-pearl pigment for paints, for the production of artificial mother-of-pearl and pearls.
Artificial pearlescent pigments are made from microscopic particles of certain varieties of mica, glass with translucent layers of metal oxides deposited on the surface of the particles, and fine metal powders in polymers.
Where is it mined?
Mother of pearl is usually classified as a stone, although in fact it has a very distant relationship with them. After all, this is not a mineral that is mined in the mountains or underground, but the inner layer of a mollusk shell.
There is not only sea mother of pearl, but also river mother of pearl. It is taken from the bottom of lakes and rivers with weak currents. Surprisingly, freshwater “grows” even in flooded rice fields. This happens, however, only in neglected fields from which rice is no longer harvested.
Its main deposits:
- Sri Lanka;
- Borneo;
- Persian Gulf;
- Red sea;
- Philippines;
- Japanese islands.
It is believed that the best material comes from tropical regions. But freshwater goods coming to the market from Europe and other parts of the world have much less value.
Modern technologies are not used when extracting stone. As before, specially trained divers go to the depths, where they collect a full basket of oysters and swim to the surface with them.
In addition, there are a lot of marine farms where they breed oysters, as well as extract mother-of-pearl and pearls. If popular mining spots run out of stock, jewelry lovers won't be left without new pieces. But how the destruction of this species will affect the ecosystem of our planet is a completely different question.
Color varieties
Like pearls, nacre can be either river or sea. However, this feature does not significantly affect the appearance of the stone. The properties of the water and the oyster itself are more important.
Electron microscopy
Mother of pearl has a layered structure, and each layer may differ from the previous one. Due to this, a specific shell color is formed. The stone itself has many shimmers and complex shades. Colors may vary depending on lighting.
The following shell colors are more common:
- white;
- gray;
- silver;
- cream;
- pinkish;
- golden;
- copper;
- brownish;
- olive;
- black.
White mother-of-pearl is the most common type. Oysters that produce this pigment are the most common.
Rare and expensive varieties of stone include dark gems. More often, a similar color can be seen in marine representatives. Such minerals are distinguished by a richness of shades. In the light, dark colors glow green, purple and blue.
The magical properties of mother of pearl
Saucer made of mother-of-pearl
The magical qualities of mother-of-pearl are similar to pearls, but are less pronounced. People believed that the stone endowed the owner with health, luck, beauty, and wisdom. The mineral protects the home from evil spirits and prolongs the life of the owner. Mother-of-pearl jewelry makes the owner irresistible.
It has been established that the magical properties of colored mother-of-pearl vary:
- White. The gem is needed by everyone who is overcome by anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. It will attract pleasant novelty, joy and useful allies.
- Pink. The embodiment of romantic feelings. A large curlicue shell in a prominent place will save the family hearth, attract money, and give peace of mind to household members. The easiest way to convey tender feelings is by giving a pink-pearl item. Will protect you from troubles on the road.
- Coffee cinnamon. A business attribute, suitable for workaholics or careerists. The stone will ensure the favor of management, productive work, and eliminate conflicts in the team.
- Black. The properties of this mother of pearl are valued by the occult community. If the owner manages to establish contact, the stone will make him a magician. It is said that the water in the black mineral cup becomes the elixir of life.
Box inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Museum exhibit
Mother-of-pearl shells are amulets for sailors and travelers. In general, the use of this stone as an amulet protects against negativity, both physical and mental. The stone is especially useful for children against the evil eye.
Talismans and amulets are made from mother-of-pearl alone very rarely. More often it is combined with pearls, opal, amethyst, and turquoise. It is believed that this combination enhances the energy of the mineral.
An energetically friendly gem turns the owner into an optimist, striving to conquer new heights. However, prolonged “captivity” in a case or box weakens the magical properties of the stone and it becomes dull.
Important!
Frequently wearing jewelry with mother-of-pearl is beneficial for both the stone and the owner.
Interesting Facts
We remind caviar lovers: according to experts, metal spoils the taste of caviar. Therefore, for gourmets who have the desire and opportunity to eat sturgeon caviar, mother-of-pearl spoons are made. True, experts do not specify how a metal jar will affect the taste of caviar...
The color of mother-of-pearl depends on the place of development of the mollusk. For example, shells obtained from the Indian Ocean are distinguished by their smooth white color.
Hajj pilgrims can buy a special box to store the Koran. They are made from juniper and palm wood, decorated with mother-of-pearl and carvings.
It is believed that mother of pearl can not only maintain the health of its owner, but also prolong his life.
Esotericists say that the stone becomes attached to the owner. Don't throw away your jewelry, wear it more often.
Mother of pearl is resistant to household chemicals, acids, high temperatures and direct sunlight.
Medicinal properties
The use of mother-of-pearl in the treatment of diseases is only an additional remedy to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
People have been studying the healing properties of mother-of-pearl for centuries. Today it has been established that it has a complex effect on the body:
- strengthens the immune system;
- promotes rapid recovery of an organism exhausted by disease;
- cleanses blood vessels;
- calms the nerves.
It is advisable to wear jewelry closer to the problem area of the body.
Types of mother-of-pearl jewelry and diseases for which they will be useful:
- hairpin or tiara - migraine, headache;
- pendant, beads or brooch - cardiovascular problems;
- light earrings - hearing impairment, ear diseases.
Black mother of pearl helps with diseases of the skeletal system and respiratory organs.
Various tinctures and ointments are made from pearlescent powder. They are used for inflammation of the joints and skin diseases.
This mineral is used to make cosmetics: serums, creams, emulsions, masks, tonics. All this helps improve skin tone and whiten age spots.
In some eastern countries they drink water infused with mother-of-pearl. It is believed that it has a general strengthening, tonic effect.
Healing value
As for health, the world of mother-of-pearl has proven itself very well in this area since ancient times, when cups for water and wine were made from the shells of large mollusks. Magical drawings and symbols were applied to the walls of the vessels, invoking the blessing of the gods on the person drinking from this cup. It was believed that if you drink from such a cup, you can extend your life to 100 years or more, avoid the machinations of enemies trying to add poison to the wine, preserve youth and beauty, and remain constantly healthy. The water in such vessels was truly purified and charged with positive energy.
Silver bracelet with mother of pearl (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)
Treating wounds and cosmetic blemishes with shell powder, as well as crushed pearls, has been practiced for centuries. This powder was used to remove pigment spots and freckles, it was taken orally in the form of a mixture, doctors and healers prescribed it for all diseases. The microelements contained in the powder have a stimulating and strengthening effect on the entire human body. In India, it is still used to treat skin and eye diseases.
Lithotherapists believe that the stone has such a strong effect on human health because it strengthens the immune system and improves metabolism.
Areas of application
Many people think that mother-of-pearl jewelry is the only possible outcome for the inner layer of shells. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Modern box inlaid with mother of pearl
The stone gained such popularity that they began to make everything possible from it. Moreover, this trend did not appear today - the inner layer of a mollusk shell has been used by humanity for a very long time. The magical properties of mother-of-pearl contributed a lot to this.
It is used to make:
- church utensils (for example, for the covers of holy books);
- household items;
- jewelry boxes (Muslims used to store the Koran in similar boxes);
- special spoons for tasting caviar (a layer of mother-of-pearl protects caviar from contact with metal, preventing it from affecting its taste) and other serving items;
- musical instruments (they decorate guitars, violins, piano keys and saxophone buttons);
- ceramic tiles;
- all kinds of accessories (fans);
- weapons (they do not make it from mother-of-pearl itself, but use the stone for decoration).
This is interesting!
The stone is actively added to cosmetics. Such creams whiten the skin, eliminate age spots, and make freckles almost invisible.
From the history of stone
Mother of pearl is the inner layer of mollusk shells. It is obtained using the same method as pearls, because both are directly related to the mollusk. To get a shellfish, you need to dive to the bottom of the ocean. Then it will be possible to extract mother-of-pearl and the pearls themselves from the “house” of the shell.
In Latin, “mater perlarum” means “mother who gives birth to pearls.” But a completely different name has taken root among the people - “perlmutter”. This is a German word, the meaning of which is translated in the same way as the original source.
It has been known in warm countries for a very long time. There, this beautiful stone was used not only to decorate the body, but also as money that could be used to pay for other goods. Masters of Ancient Egypt and China also made jewelry from mother-of-pearl. Craftsmen decorated the tombs of pharaohs and the fan handles of Chinese emperors with it.
In the Middle Ages, there were many shenanigans associated with mother-of-pearl. One of the most famous and widespread in those days was an attempt to pass off scales shimmering in the sun as feathers from the wings of angels.
Like many other stones, this one came to Europe quite late - in the Victorian era. A lot of things were made from it, including fashionable buttons for the suits of rich gentlemen. Stone was also used for decoration. They decorated handbags, watches, boxes, and interior items.
Jewelry
Mother of pearl bracelet
Products and jewelry with minerals occupy the middle price segment. Mother-of-pearl plates look best in a white or grayish frame (silver, gold or platinum).
The mineral is combined with gems similar in nature and qualities:
- coral;
- pearls;
- turquoise;
- malachite.
Upon request, they can create mother-of-pearl jewelry with high-class precious stones.
Examples of interiors in pearlescent tones
Mosaic panels and frames are examples of adding pearls to the interior. Kitchen aprons are created from mosaics with a glow, silk-type textiles are placed. And of course the walls, floors and ceilings are finished. Lamps, floor lamps and decor will find application in any room.
Mosaic panels and frames are examples of adding pearls to the interior.
Mother-of-pearl decoration has been used since ancient times; it helps to calm down and add elegance to the interior without the effect of oversaturation. There are many options for adding pearl color; the option for a minimalist style is more suitable.
How to recognize a fake
This is interesting!
Interesting fact: counterfeiting of gems began three hundred years ago. In those days, fish scales were used to create the mineral. Its shiny particles were mixed with molten glass.
Faceted mother of pearl beads
Nowadays, plastic, glass, and various polymers are used to produce imitation.
To distinguish natural mother-of-pearl from artificial one, you need to know several techniques:
- If you poke a mineral with a needle, it will remain unchanged. There will be marks or chips on the plastic.
- Natural stone has a porous texture that is clearly visible when magnified.
- Genuine minerals are much heavier than plastic fakes.
- Mother of pearl has low thermal conductivity, so it slowly heats up from air or body temperature.
New technologies make it possible to create an imitation that is difficult to distinguish from real stone. Therefore, before purchasing jewelry, you should carefully study not only the type of mineral, but also the documentation provided by the seller.
Artificial mother of pearl
For the first time, the mineral was recreated artificially by scientists at the University of Cambridge in 2012. Biopolymers were deposited on glass in a thin layer. The substrate was then placed in a new solution of polymers with mineral salts identical to the components of seawater. The solution was changed until a pearl similar to natural pearl was obtained.
In China, scientists have developed their own method for creating an artificial mineral. The Chinese formed crystals by freezing. The layered structure was obtained by cooling dissolved chitosan. When vinegar was added, a fine-grained substance was formed that filled the voids. Next, calcium bicarbonate and magnesium were passed through the matrix under pressure, which created a mineral layer in the chitin. At the end of the process, the protein febroin was introduced into the resulting structure.
When studying the resulting material, scientists confirmed the similarity of the product to natural stone. The only difference is lower density due to the larger size of aragonite crystals. Artificial mother of pearl is used mainly in jewelry. If ways to reduce the cost of production are found, the mineral will find wider application.
Mineral Compatibility
White mother-of-pearl, 10mm ball
Mother-of-pearl harmonizes well energetically with its fellow water elements. For example, they go well with it:
- opal;
- aquamarine;
- Moonstone;
- alexandrite;
- coral;
- pearl.
It is not recommended to wear it together with “fire” stones:
- pomegranate;
- diamond;
- ruby, etc.
This combination will lead to the fact that they “extinguish” each other’s energy.
Who suits mother of pearl according to their zodiac sign?
The issue of zodiac compatibility is an eternal stumbling block. Some people think this is nonsense, while others firmly believe the opinion of astrologers. But disputes are waged not only among buyers - experts also often disagree with each other.
But they all definitely agreed on one thing - a romantic and beautiful stone, unfortunately, is not suitable for all zodiac signs.
So, Pisces - in their life he has a truly colossal importance. Dreamers-Pisces often plunge into the world of their dreams and forget about reality. Mother of pearl will help them come down to earth and realize their dreams here, in real life. Such a push will give them confidence in their abilities and help them complete what they started.
Cancers are also not deprived of the attention of mother of pearl. But, unlike Pisces, the stone will also help Cancers on the love front. Astrologers are confident that representatives of this sign will quickly find love and build a happy family.
Mother of pearl will also be useful for Aquarius , who are often fixated on their career. If you don't want to be distracted from work, choose any stone other than pink. White, black, purple - they will all help you move up the career ladder. But the mineral of a delicate pink hue will help romantic relationships.
The stone relates well to the following zodiac signs:
- Aries avoid quarrels and protect from evil spirits;
- Taurus is promised career advancement;
- Leo by green mother-of-pearl. The stone will help them become more confident and calm;
- Libra will gain wisdom and make decisions more confidently;
- Scorpio , under the influence of the stone, will improve his health and become more confident;
- Sagittarius will be able to move towards the goal without distraction;
- Capricorn will find peace and peace of mind.
But those who should not wear mother-of-pearl are Virgos and Geminis . They are too vulnerable and sensitive, so for these zodiac signs the stone will provoke negative thoughts, despair or even depression.
Japanese divers
The profession of ama (as divers for algae, shellfish and mainly pearls were called in Japan) dates back more than three thousand years. It was mainly women who did this: they could hold their breath longer than men and froze less in the water due to a thicker layer of subcutaneous fat. The divers used a knife, a light net and a wooden barrel with a glass bottom. Through it they looked for mollusks, and between dives they used it as a float for relaxation. This hard, but very profitable work often became the subject of engravings by Japanese artists. At the exhibition you can see a triptych of engravings from the mid-19th century , provided by the Oriental Museum, depicting divers.
Laughing Hotei and bowl in wabi style. Treasures of the Japanese collection of the Oriental Museum
The series “Ama, pearl divers” by contemporary Russian artist Alexei Iorsh . He created four graphic works specifically for the exhibition “Pearls and Mother of Pearl”. The drawings refer, on the one hand, to traditional Japanese painting, and on the other, to the manga of the Japanese artist and writer Sanpei Shirato “The Legend of Kamui”.
Four works describe the process of pearl fishing: first, a diver, flexible and plastic, like the fish around her, plunges into the water, then (with the prey) she pushes off from the bottom and swims to the surface. The third shows how heavy her burden is, and the fourth shows how great the price of this work is: it was necessary to fish out hundreds of shells to find only three treasured pearls.
How to wear and care
Jewelry with mother-of-pearl is chosen for visiting cultural and entertainment institutions, parties, and they are also appropriate in the office. Stones do not like high temperatures or prolonged exposure to the sun, so it is advisable to leave them at home before going to the beach, bathhouse, sauna, or solarium. You should not wear the amulet in a visible place on a camping trip or during a long walk.
Recommendations for wearing mother-of-pearl correctly:
- pink beads and flower-shaped earrings go well with a girl’s light summer dress;
- fashionistas wear rings with mother-of-pearl in combination with peridot in silver;
- elongated earrings look elegant, match with evening dresses, visually elongate the round oval of the face;
- It is considered good form to wear a mother-of-pearl brooch with a moonstone;
- Large, oddly shaped earrings look great in dim lighting.
Mother of pearl buttons with designs
Mother of pearl requires careful, delicate care. The original appearance is restored by cleaning the mother-of-pearl product with a soft brush and soapy water. The shine is imparted by wiping the stone with a napkin soaked in a solution of potato starch. To increase strength, biolite is periodically immersed in sea water.
Mother of pearl is stored in a canvas bag, hidden from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
It is recommended to avoid:
- aggressive chemicals with abrasive additives;
- temperature changes;
- contact with cosmetics and perfumes;
- immersion in hot water.
If everything is not going well in the family or at work, it is recommended to place a large mother-of-pearl shell on the sideboard shelf or hang a panel painted with mother-of-pearl paints on the wall. The iridescent mineral dates back to ancient times and has not lost its relevance today. A wide range of applications, a combination of magical and healing characteristics make composite products in demand.
Questions/Answers
The topic of mother-of-pearl deserves an entire book. You can ask about everything that is not mentioned in the article. We will look for answers
