mozhu

Mozhu, also known as a pearl, is a hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk or another animal. The gemstone is composed of calcium carbonate in extremely fine crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The quality of the nacre, or mother-of-pearl, the substance that forms the pearl, is judged by its luster, surface, shape, color, and size.

Pearls are found in a variety of mollusks, including oysters, mussels, and conch shells. They are typically formed when an irritant, such as a parasite or a piece of debris, enters the mollusk's shell. In response, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, gradually forming a pearl. The color of a pearl can vary widely, ranging from white and cream to pink, lavender, gold, and black, depending on the species of mollusk and the minerals present in its environment.

For centuries, pearls have been highly prized for their beauty and rarity, featuring prominently in jewelry and adornments. They have been associated with wealth, status, and purity across various cultures. While natural pearls are rare and valuable, the cultivation of pearls through aquacultural techniques has made them more accessible. Cultured pearls are created by humans inserting a bead or tissue into the mollusk, which then secretes nacre around it. Despite the difference in origin, both natural and cultured pearls share similar characteristics and appeal.