What Is Abalone Shell?
The abalone shell has often been considered the crown jewel of the ocean, with its magnificent iridescent colors found on the internal part of its shell. They are found along the coasts of California, Japan, New Zealand and other regions in the Pacific, and are kin to other common shelled animals such as oysters and clams in Phylum Mollusca.
Other People Are Reading
-
Shell Structure
-
Sediments and shells The shell, with its four to 10 breathing holes (respiratory pores), is the most conspicuous feature of the abalone. The shape is round to oval with two or three whorls, depending on the species, and ends in an ear-like whorl, giving it the nickname "ear-shell."
The iridescent internal part of the shell is called mother-of-pearl, and is the most notable and desirable aspect of the abalone shell. It is made of a material called nacre, which is comprised of aragonite, a mineral composed of calcium carbonite. Scientists continue to study nacre because of how incredibly strong it is. The shell is made of a brick wall with calcium carbonate acting as the bricks, and a glutinous adhering material acting as the cement.
Historical Significance
-
an Asian fisherman Fossilized abalone shells have been found buried in sediments dating over 100 million years old. After the onset of the evolution of man, abalones became a popular food source and were a food staple for coastal Native Americans. They also used the beautiful abalone shell as decoration and for jewelry. In the Apache tradition, abalone shells were place on a girl's forehead the morning of her induction into womanhood. However, once the Europeans and Asians noticed these unique shells--not only for their food but for the beauty--the abalone population began their slow decline.
-
Shell Harvesting Impacts
-
A diver hunting beyond the intertidal zone Abalone shell harvesting became commercially popular during the 1800s, and later made a dramatic rise in popularity after the invention of scuba gear. Wetsuits and an underwater breathing mechanism made it easier to find abalone beyond the intertidal zone (the area between high and low tides). During the late 1970s, mariculture had been introduced to try and save the fading abalone; however, massive storms and El Ninos produced a deflux of nutrients for kelp (a main food for abalone) and an influx of disease, which in turn made an even more devastating impact on their future. Currently, many locations along the West coast of the U.S. no longer have abalone; however, some areas including Northern California still have natural production. There are strict laws against the harvesting of certain species of abalone, such as black abalone, so it is recommended to research what species are readily available for harvesting, and in what seasons.
Medicinal Benefits
-
Chinese medicine In Chinese medicine, the abalone shell has salty and cold properties (properties of the shell that help the "yin" as opposed to the "yang" side of the body), which is used to pacify and cool what they consider a fiery liver.
Abalone shell is also known to treat ailments such as headaches, vertigo and blurred vision.
In a metaphysicial sense, wearing abalone shell is known to help heal and strengthen the heart chakra.
It is always recommended to consult a health care practitioner before using abalone shell, or any other forms of alternative or pharmaceutical medicines. It is not recommended to inhale crushed abalone as it is known to cause lung damage.
Abalone Shell Jewelry-making
-
A watch made with mother of pearl Making abalone shell jewelry has been a hobby as well as a cultural tradition for centuries. Jewelry makers prize the mother of pearl to make countless forms of decoration such as rings, necklaces, watches, earrings, belts and buttons. Since there are eight different species of abalone, there are also eight slightly different colors to their shells. The red abalone shell possesses a red and pearly white stripe, whereas the green abalone shell is reminiscent of the various colors of the ocean.
-
References
- Photo Credit paua shell - abalone image by pdtnc from Fotolia.com Broken shells on beach image by Scott Latham from Fotolia.com marché flottant image by Gautier Willaume from Fotolia.com Diver over coral reef image by DJ from Fotolia.com old chinese tea tin image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com ladies wristwatch image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
