Helmiäisiä
Helmiäisiä, also known as mother-of-pearl, is an iridescent organic material produced by mollusks, most commonly oysters and abalone. It is the inner lining of the shell, a smooth and lustrous layer that protects the soft body of the mollusk. This material is composed of microscopic calcium carbonate crystals arranged in a complex, layered structure. The iridescence of helmiäisiä is a result of light interacting with these layers, causing different wavelengths of light to interfere and reflect, creating a shimmering, colorful effect.
The composition of helmiäisiä varies depending on the species of mollusk, but it primarily consists of aragonite,
Throughout history, helmiäisiä has been valued for its aesthetic qualities and used in various decorative and