Melo Pearl
Organic Carbonate (Calcite/Aragonite) Concretions · Organic Gem
Crystal System
Orthorhombic (Aragonite) or Trigonal (Calcite)
Mineral Group
Carbonates (Biogenic)
Chemical Formula
CaCO3 (Calcium Carbonate)
Formation Process
Biogenic formation within the mantle of the sea snail Melo melo (Indian volute), where an irritant becomes trapped and is coated with concentric layers of aragonite and calcite platelet crystals.
About This Crystal
These specimens are natural, non-nacreous pearls harvested from marine gastropods. They exhibit rounded, nearly spherical to oval shapes, a warm peachy-orange to golden-apricot body color, and a distinctive flame-like optical structure across their smooth surface, lacking the traditional pearly nacre luster of oyster pearls.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from orange, yellow, and tan to brown; streak is white; no true cleavage; fracture is uneven; specific gravity is approximately 2.65 to 2.75; tenacity is brittle; sensitive to acids and organic solvents.
Optical Properties
Biaxial negative for aragonite; exhibits a characteristic flame structure (chatoyancy-like optical effect caused by the alignment of aragonite platelets in concentric layers rather than linear fibers).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South China Sea, Andaman Sea, waters off Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4.5; low toughness compared to traditional gemstones; vulnerable to scratching, household chemicals, acids, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth; avoid chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam; store away from other harder jewelry items to prevent scratching; protect from prolonged direct sunlight and dehydration.
Rarity & Value
Extremely Rare; cannot be cultured successfully, meaning every Melo pearl is a rare natural find; highly prized by collectors and luxury jewelry buyers, with exceptional specimens fetching high prices.
Special Characteristics
Features a unique chatoyant 'flame structure' that resembles flickering fire on the surface of the gem, caused by the light diffraction through micro-platelets of aragonite.
Lore & History
Historically associated with royalty in Southeast Asia, often referred to as 'orange pearls' or 'dragon pearls' due to their fiery color resembling the mythical pearl chased by dragons in Chinese folklore; associated with wealth, prosperity, and the sun in modern metaphysical practices.