Abalone, Shell, Heart, One 12mm Strand

Abalone, Shell, Heart, One 12mm Strand

This price is for one strand 13 inches long

12mm strands have about 32 pieces

Abalone are sea snails belonging to the genus Haliotis, the only genus in the family Haliotidae. They are gastropod mollusks, related to clams, mussels, and octopuses. The abalone shell is thickened with layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl) - iridescent layers of plates of a mineral called aragonite. Abalone lives along the coastal waters of almost every major continent and there are more than 130 types of abalone shell.

Today, more than 95% of the global abalone market is supplied by aquaculture (farming). This helps to meet the high demand while reducing pressure on recovering wild stocks

 Abalone shell beads are called “sea opal beads” for their stunning, iridescent colors like the beautiful "flash" of precious opals. It can also have a dichroic appearance. Abalone beads are a gorgeous, iridescent rainbow of electric blues, greens, grays, and pinks.

There is no difference from Paua shell and Abalone. Most of the world calls it Abalone, but New Zealand and Australia call it Paua. Abalone is derived from the Spanish word "Abulón" and Paua from the New Zealand Maori word "Paua."

 Assembled abalone beads are beads created from the nacre, or inner layer, of abalone shells, which are often combined with other materials like resin for added durability or to create specific shapes.

Made in China.