Pholidostrophiid brachiopods: origin of the nacreous luster.
The "nacreous" luster characteristic of the pholidostrophiid group of fossil brachiopods results from a shell structure that produces superimposed sets of natural optical-diffraction gratings made of calcite. The wall structure is crossed lamellar, parallel to the shell surfdce; thus flakiness and development of reflecting surfaces are facilitated.
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