A modified integrated model of the internal structure of Chinese cultured pearls

Abstract

Optical and micro-infrared microscope were used to observe the internal structure and mineral composition of high and low quality Chinese seawater and freshwater cultured pearls. Results clearly reveal that aragonite and calcite are found in seawater cultured pearls, but vaterite is not found. In contrast, vaterite and aragonite are found in freshwater cultured pearls, but calcite is not found. Based on our analysis and observations of the internal structure of high and low quality cultured pearls, a modified integrated model of the internal structure of Chinese cultured pearls was established. Our revisions to the previous model focus on significant differences within the prismatic layer of Chinese cultured pearls.

Keywords

cultured pearls / aragonite / vaterite / calcite / integrated model

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