Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: paul.fr on 09/06/2007 22:50:38

Title: how do oysters produce pearls?
Post by: paul.fr on 09/06/2007 22:50:38

how do oysters produce pearls, and for what purpose?

Title: how do oysters produce pearls?
Post by: kdlynn on 10/06/2007 03:56:22

i don't know what the substance is, but they form the pearl around, essentially, a piece of dirt or something that floats into the oyster. they do it to make the dirt or whatever smooth so that it doesn't scratch them.

Title: how do oysters produce pearls?
Post by: kdlynn on 10/06/2007 03:56:54

i knew something!!

Title: how do oysters produce pearls?
Post by: dentstudent on 11/06/2007 08:14:18

I think it's calcium carbonate that is also used in the lining of the shell and is called Nacre, or more commonly known as "mother of pearl".

Title: Re: how do oysters produce pearls?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 17/10/2018 08:03:46

Quote from: kdlynn on 10/06/2007 03:56:22

i don't know what the substance is, but they form the pearl around, essentially, a piece of dirt or something that floats into the oyster. they do it to make the dirt or whatever smooth so that it doesn't scratch them.

So... Are pearls analogous to oyster boogers?