Help me id this chunk of abalone

[Caitlin]

Is it a blister pearl?

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Yes. It looks a little too natural for a mabe.

[Caitlin]

2 more photos

[pattye]

That's cool! Looks like a blister to me, too.

[Caitlin]

I decided to risk some money. I sent the seller an offer. I think I will have to get it out of the setting to see what it really is. It is too funky to be cultured by someone like Roger. It is either a piece of ab shell, or a blister.

[Adeline Leigh]

your blister pearl has a cool mauve colour rather different from mine. cant wait to compare, online, that is good luck with yours.

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

It is either a piece of ab shell, or a blister.

Here are images of both sides of natural abalone blisters from my collection. The shape and color of your find is nearly identical and very typical of abalone blisters.

[CLICLASP]

Lovely find Caitlin, can't wait see it unmounted to learn about

[Caitlin]

I am such an abalone nut; it really is kind of grungy. Only an abalone nut would claim that one. Any ideas on how to clean it?

[pattye]

My go-to for pearly washing is Dr. Bonner's unscented baby-mild pure-castile soap. It's a liquid. Fair trade, too.

[Caitlin]

Mine too. But I think that protenaceous gunk, might need more.

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Mine too. But I think that protenaceous gunk, might need more.

Might be able to peel a layer.

It has character, though. Other than cleaning the silver I'd just leave it as it is.

[Bodecia]

Hi Caitlin,

Great find!! I would go for a salt sludge bath and a soft tooth brush. I swear by salt sludge baths. I cleaned my Abalone Pearl with it.

Let us know when you get it and do post some photos, before and after.

Dawn - Bodecia
http://stores.ebay.com/Dawns-Designer-Collections
Natural pearl collector and all round pearl lover

[Adeline Leigh]

Here are images of both sides of natural abalone blisters from my collection. The shape and color of your find is nearly identical and very typical of abalone blisters.

I am very intrigued by the underside of your blister pearl, it's riddled with the parasites that contribute to the blister pearl, is it not? Bumpy, too? Had to ask as my blister pearls are all backed with shell material so I have never seen anything like this. Thanks!

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

it's riddled with the parasites that contribute to the blister pearl, is it not?

Certainly in this case with two larger borers, even though there were hundreds, perhaps thousands of smaller ones that didn't.