Abalone Shell 5-10 Chip Bead - 15-16 Inch Cube It is considered a precious

It is considered a precious Opal

A classic Mediterranean symbol reimagined for modern jewelry design

It's actually a pink variety of Beryl -- the family of gemstones that also includes Aquamarine

and it is known to have been widely used in Aztec and Native American cultures

so only a finite amount of rough material remains

Abalone Shell 5-10 Chip Bead - 15-16 Inch Cube It is considered a preciousAbalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering absorbing the energy of the blow. The inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre (mother of pearl), which in many species is highly iridescent, which make the shells attractive as decorative objects, jewelry, and as a source of colorful mother of pearl.