Pearl, freshwater
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Description
Pearls obtained from mussels in freshwater lakes and rivers around the world. Freshwater pearls are cultivated in Lake Biwa (Biwa Pearls) in southern Japan and in China (China Pearls, Rice Pearls). Freshwater pearls have irregular shapes and come in a variety of nonwhite colors. They are often dyed. The surface of Rice pearls is generally rough and the surface of Biwa pearls is usually smooth.
Synonyms and Related Terms
freshwater pearl; fresh-water pearl; Biwa Pearls; China Pearls; Rice Pearls
| Mohs Hardness | 3 - 4 |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.68 |
| Refractive Index | 1.57 |
Additional Information
Grading chart for freshwater pearls: Pure Pearls
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Oppi Untracht, Jewelry Concepts and Technology, Doubleday & Co., Inc., New York City, 1985