Stone 06 · Gemstone guide
Pearl
Moti · Mukta
Pearl is an organic gem material formed within a mollusc. Natural and cultured pearls share the same biological process, while cultured pearls form with human intervention. Their layered nacre, lustre and surface require gentler care than crystalline gems.
Gemological register
- Material
- Organic gem material
- Composition
- Calcium carbonate, conchiolin and water
- Structure
- Layered aggregate
- Mohs hardness
- About 2.5 to 4.5
- Refractive index
- About 1.53 by spot reading
- Specific gravity
- Variable by pearl type
Colour
Colour is a range, not a shorthand.
Body colour, overtone and orient combine to create a pearl's appearance. White, cream, gold, grey and many other colours occur naturally, while treatment can also alter colour.
Clarity and character
Read inclusions in context.
Pearls are described through surface condition, lustre, nacre quality, shape, colour and matching. Small growth marks are part of their formation and should not be confused with damage.
Treatment disclosure
Ask what changed and how it was detected.
Bleaching is common in some pearl categories. Dyeing, irradiation, coating and lustre enhancement may also be used. The record should distinguish natural from cultured origin and identify the mollusc environment where supported.
Setting practice
The mount answers the material.
Drilling, adhesive choice, stringing and contact with metal edges all require control. Knots help isolate pearls on strands, while fitted cups or pegs should support without abrading the nacre.
Care
Care follows the individual record.
Put pearls on after cosmetics and fragrance, then wipe them with a clean damp cloth. Avoid soaking, steam, ultrasonic cleaning, high heat and airtight long-term storage. Have stringing checked when tension changes.
Sourcing questions
Questions worth carrying to the desk.
- 01Is the pearl natural or cultured?
- 02Is it saltwater or freshwater, when this can be established?
- 03Which colour or surface treatments have been detected?
- 04How are nacre condition, drilling and matching documented?
Kundali note
Pearl is traditionally associated with Chandra in Jyotish. A consultation treats that association as a cultural practice, not as medical advice or an assured result.
Traditional association and gemological assessment remain distinct parts of a conversation. No material is presented as an outcome guarantee.
Read the consultation process →Individual assessment
Ask about a stone, setting or record.
Bring the object, report language or sourcing question you want to study. The next step is a direct conversation.
Begin a conversation