Abalone pearls are one of the rare and expensive types of pearls known to people.
The mollusk in which this amazing jewel grows is a valuable commercial species. Its meat is considered an expensive delicacy in many East Asian countries - Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, as well as in Latin America, New Zealand and France.
Due to illegal fishing off the coast of South Africa, the population of Abalone shellfish, or abalone as they are also called, was practically destroyed. As a gastronomic delight, they are grown on farms in many countries.
Description
Abalone is considered a single-vave mollusk that mainly lives on the shores of the Sea of Japan.
Until recently, a very large population of them was located off the coast of South Africa, but due to illegal fishing of these mollusks, they practically disappeared there. One of the amazing features of Abalon is that its appearance is very similar to a human ear, which is why it is also called “abalone”. The shell of this mollusk is single-valve, so it is considered not quite a pearl. Due to its bizarre shape, this mollusk belongs to the haliotis, which translated means “halis” - sea, “otis” - ear. Another distinctive feature of it is the nondescript outer side of the shell, which is almost entirely covered with growths. But the inside has an amazing layer of mother-of-pearl with incredible color shades.
As for the high cost, stones (pearls) are considered quite exceptional specimens. This is due to the fact that these mollusks very rarely produce pearls. Moreover, such a process can only occur when only its own shell fragment gets inside. In addition, the pearls growing in this mollusk have the same shades as the inside of the shell itself. In nature, this stone is found in different color shades, although it is very rare to find pink or green colors, as well as blue, so their cost is even higher.
ABC of jewelry. Abalone
Abalone is the mother of pearl of marine mollusks of the genus Haliotis (Haliotis). You can hear a fairly common name for abalone - abalone. Haliotis do not tolerate desalination of water and are not found in Russian seas.
Vintage drawing with species of abalone mollusks
There are more than 51 species of these mollusks. By the way, their meat is considered a delicacy.
The shades of abalone mother-of-pearl are very diverse: from soft pink and white, emerald green, sea green, cobalt blue, orange-red to purple and almost black. The play of color is explained by the structure of the shell, consisting of microscopic plates separated by air layers that refract the rays.
All species of mollusks differ slightly in color and pattern, but the most popular variety for jewelry is called the “Firebird feather” or “rainbow shell.”
rainbow shell
Abalone has been used in many cultures as decoration for carvings and jewelry.
Abalone jewelry is a traditional craft of the indigenous people of New Zealand - the Maori.
A disk with abalone was worn by girls of the Apache tribe on their foreheads, greeting the sun in the morning on the day of initiation. A whole abalone shell is a traditional container used by American Indians to smoke herbs and plant mixtures.
On the vintage jewelry market, the most common items on sale are Mexican silver jewelry inlaid with abalone. As a rule, these are decorations in traditional Indian themes. They are with fancy patterns and ornaments. Such jewelry is very interesting and in demand by collectors. They contain a lot of silver and show the high-quality work of the inlay master. There are very expensive copies. The older the jewelry and the more complex the abalone pattern, the more expensive the product.
According to the law of Mexico, all silver products in this country, regardless of whether they are made by a craftsman or in a factory, since 1948, are required to bear the mark “Made in Mexico” or “Mexico” and hallmark.
The title photo and all 5 top photos are Mexican vintage jewelry. Silver, abalone.
By this mark you can find out the years of production of the jewelry. When purchasing Mexican vintage silver jewelry, I can tell you from my own experience that you can rest assured that it will be good 925 sterling silver, not to mention the value and beauty of the vintage piece itself.
One of the types of hallmarks on Mexican silver jewelry
Many species of abalone these days are on the verge of extinction, and their industrial fishing is prohibited, so there are private plantations for breeding mollusks.
Haliotis buttons
In the top 3 photos there are buttons with abalone inlay
Abalone is stronger than pearls, the hardness of pearls on the Mohs scale is 3.5-4.5, and abalone is 5.0-6.0.
The mother-of-pearl of abalones is not only durable, but also flexible, since the shell is able to absorb shock.
Nowadays, abalone in jewelry is often combined with precious stones and set in precious metals.
Modern jewelry with abalone
Diamond earrings
Recommendations for caring for abalone:
Jewelry with abalone should be often “walked” (like jewelry with pearls), and also kept clean. If necessary, wash it in a weak soap solution. You can lightly rub with potato starch, which removes excess moisture and dirt.
In the photo above there are antique jewelry with abalone and a business card holder from 1850 decorated with abalone
Properties of the stone
Due to the fact that Abalon has been known for a very long time, people have managed to recognize its extraordinary properties, which have a beneficial effect on the human body. These are, for example, such as:
Has calming properties of an emotional nature;- Cleanses a person’s chakras, thereby promoting the health of the body and increasing intuition;
- This stone is often used to normalize the amount of calcium (using it as a powder);
- Athletes use it to quickly build muscle mass, as well as to strengthen it;
- In addition, it can be very useful for increasing the absorption of vitamins A and D;
- Quite often it is used to treat disorders of the spinal cord and nervous system;
- Due to its medicinal properties, this mineral is used as a powder to improve performance and enhance immunity;
- Another property of this stone is that it helps the body absorb vitamins.
Due to the fact that the stone belongs to the water element, it has the ability to prolong youth and beauty. It also allows you to achieve harmony with the world around you and yourself.
Chemical composition and nutritional value
Meat contains a large number of useful substances for the human body. Among them are vitamin A, C, E, K, vitamin B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, zinc, sodium, iodine, phosphorus, iron and magnesium.
The nutritional value of products per 100 grams is:
- 105 kcal – calorie content;
- 25 g – proteins;
- 5 g – carbohydrates;
- 2 g – fats;
- 70 mg – cholesterol.
Main characteristics
Heliots is a stone that consists of protein molecules and most of calcium carbonate, so it is very strong, but also quite fragile. Despite its strong structure, Abalon is recommended to be protected from close contact with fire and high temperatures. This is due to the fact that pearls contain a large percentage of water; when it evaporates, it exposes the stone to damage, such as cracks. You should also avoid contact of this type of pearl with cosmetics. Since the presence of various kinds of acids in their composition can also lead to its destruction or loss of luster of mother-of-pearl. In order to clean this mineral, you can use regular potato starch.
Due to the fact that this mollusk is a single valve, its pearl shapes are always interesting. There are practically no stones that are alike in nature. This also applies to the color of the pearl itself. Due to its uniqueness, this stone is quite expensive. In addition, its cost is also influenced by the fact that this type of abalone very rarely produces pearls. Therefore, jewelers use the shells themselves as decoration, which, due to their incredible colors, are very popular among the fair sex.
Use in cooking
Abalones are a real culinary delicacy. Although until relatively recently in some countries they were used exclusively for feeding animals.
Abalone meat is most popular among residents of Japan and China. There it is used as traditional dishes. This is due to the increased oiliness and salinity of the product due to its constant habitat in sea waters.
At the same time, meat is eaten even raw. Dried and canned products can be stored for a long period of time.
To prepare dishes from fresh shellfish, it is recommended to use the meat of young specimens. Experienced chefs advise pre-soaking fresh abalone in sea water. This helps remove all accumulated digested substances from the stomach. This procedure usually takes about two days.
After removing the shellfish from the shells, you will need to thoroughly wash the meat. Then the intestines and black fringe are removed. Before cooking, it is better to beat the carcass through a soft cloth. This will give the meat a delicious taste. At the same time, there is a huge variety of recipes for preparing abalone, including boiling, frying, and adding to soup.
Canned shellfish products are used as an addition to other dishes.
Magic properties
Since the stone has been known since very ancient times, people have become convinced of its extraordinary abilities, which help improve the general condition of the human body. For example, talismans made from Abalon stone protect family life, allowing you to find harmony and comfort. Therefore, in ancient times, many household items were made from them and given as wedding gifts to newlyweds. In addition, wearing jewelry made from these pearls has a beneficial effect on people who are directly related to social activities. There is a belief that, thanks to its properties, the stone is able to inspire trust in others.
As for astrology, Abalon has a positive effect on all signs of the Zodiac, but has a particularly beneficial effect on Pisces, Cancer, Libra. Due to its incredible beauty and uniqueness, this type of pearl, despite its high cost, is very popular among women all over the world.
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Magic for the family
Abalone is a family stone and was once considered the ideal gift for newlyweds. Figurines, jewelry or household items (dishes, plates, vases were made from abalone) with this stone help in resolving intra-family conflicts and strengthening the marriage union. They protect spouses from betrayal, help maintain the fire of passion, not allowing feelings to cool down. But not only. Abalon, as a wedding gift, becomes an amulet that protects the family from negative influence from the outside - accidental or intentional. An abalone that appears in a house scares away everyone who wants and can harm the family. In addition, abalone also affects the people themselves who are under its protection. It develops the owner’s communication skills and gives him the ability to win over other people. Perhaps due to this quality, the abalone was chosen to decorate the scepter of the Roman Emperor Nero.
Who does Abalon suit according to their zodiac sign?
But, alas, abalone is not suitable for everyone. The ideal owner or owner for him is a person born under the sign of Pisces. Abalon will patronize him, and will reveal all her capabilities for him. Abalone is also favorable to other water signs. Abalon will have a neutral attitude towards the signs of Air and Earth - he will help, but not so actively, but representatives of the signs of Fire are unlikely to receive any help from him at all. It won't do any harm, but you shouldn't expect any benefit from it either. The abalone will escape from Lviv at the first opportunity - either get lost or break.
Magazine: Horoscopes and predictions No. 5, June 2022 Category: Precious gift Author: Magazine editors
Tags: stone, Pisces sign, Zodiac, magic, Horoscopes and predictions, decoration, shell
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