Structural, mineralogical, and biochemical diversity in the lower part of the pearl layer of cultivated seawater pearls from Polynesia.
A series of Polynesian pearls has been investigated with particular attention to the structural and compositional patterns of the early developmental stages of the pearl layer. These initial steps in pearl formation bear witness of the metabolic changes that have occurred during the pearl-sac formation. The resulting structurally and biochemically complex structures have been investigated using a variety of techniques that provide us with information concerning both mineral phases and the organic components. Results are discussed with respect to our understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms, as well as for the grafting process.
Cuif
Jean-Pierre
JP
University Paris-Sud, Faculty of Sciences, UMR 8148 IDES, Bat 504 Geology, 91405 Orsay, France. jean-pierre.cuif@u-psud.fr
Ball
Alexander D
AD
Dauphin
Yannicke
Y
Farre
Bastien
B
Nouet
Julius
J
Perez-Huerta
Alberto
A
Salomé
Murielle
M
Williams
C Terry
CT
D000818:Animals; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000032:analysis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism; D049911:Pinctada / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014965:X-Rays
D008903:Minerals; D002119:Calcium Carbonate