Abalone

ABALONE
** Abalone is a Mollusk (shelled fish) in the Gastropod class. Gastropods also include snails and whelks. Abalone is prized for its meat as well as its beautiful shell.** The pretty part of the shell in on the inside, where nacre (mother of pearl) of a variety of colors can be seen. The outside of the shell is dull brown, and you can see this when you look at our Abalone Chip Beads, which have brown edges and colorful inner surfaces.** The word "Abalone" comes from the Spanish word aulone, which is the name of the animal. The shell is also called Paua Shell.** Crystal healers use Abalone for a large variety of purposes. It is thought to be helpful in disorders involving joints, bones, and muscles. It protects against uncooperative attitudes, stimulates creativity, and promotes calm. Not surprisingly, it also helps in calcium deficiencies.** Since Mollusks often have to leave their shells to find larger ones when they grow, all shells are considered to bring boundless growth in life and thought.** The Abalone that you often see in jewelry is a brilliant blue or purple. These specimens are dyed. The natural colors, while beautiful, are generally more varied, and may include blue, green, purple, pink, yellow, orange, and white. It is sometimes known as a "Sea Opal" due to the changing opalescent hues.** All jewelry made from shells, be it Abalone or Mother of Pearl, is suitable for a Mother's Day gift!