nacre
Sign in to savethumb|upright=1.2|The iridescent nacre inside a nautilus shell thumb|upright=1.2|Nacreous shell worked into a decorative object
AI overview
Nacre is the shimmering, iridescent layer found inside certain shells, like those of nautiluses and oysters, that creates the lustrous appearance we call mother-of-pearl. It matters because its unique combination of strength and beauty has made it valuable for both decorative objects and as a subject of scientific study for understanding natural materials.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
19 sectionsContents
- Physical characteristics
- Structure and appearance
- Mechanical properties
- Formation
- Function
- In different mollusc groups
- Commercial sources
- Uses
- Decorative
- Architecture
- Jewelry
- Musical instruments
- Indian mother-of-pearl art
- Other
- Manufactured nacre
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|upright=1.2|The iridescent nacre inside a nautilus shell thumb|upright=1.2|Nacreous shell worked into a decorative object
Nacre ( , ), also known as mother-of-pearl, is an organicinorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is also the material of which pearls are composed. It is strong, resilient, and iridescent.