Maybe because I'm a nacre nerd ...

[jshepherd]

... but I find this fascinating.

http://www.news.wisc.edu/20338

[Marianne]

Science is a good thing! Thanks

[est190]

... but I find this fascinating.

http://www.news.wisc.edu/20338

That's an interesting article Jeremy. I would have thought marine biologists would have known ths for a while though, since nacre production in Pinctada fucata martensii has always been effected by water temperature (particularly rapid crystal formation in warmer water) and has been an obstacle for chinese akoya production.

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Temeprature is the overall factor in determining a lot of things oceanic. In warm weather, shellfish are able to digest larger organisms. In winter, the animal's ability to uptake and digest these are greatly inhibited. Beside that, there is a lot less food in the water by volume in winter anyway. It might not be so evident in the tropics, but up here where the seasons are more extreme, shellfish will uptake calcium from their own shells (and yes... pearls) when not available in food. Winter harvesting and grafting must be done with greater care as to not crack or break the shells.

[Kevin Canning]

[est190]

Kevin, that's a nice image. I wouldn't mind blowing that up and putting it on canvas.

[Katbran]

Amazing colours! Ah Mother Nature...you have to just sit back and shake your head in wonder sometimes!

[Amrita]

That's really fascinating! Nature's miracles are all around us...:-)

[pattye]

Amrita,

So nice to see you here again! What's new in the pearly world where you are? Oh good, I see you are on facebook! Heading over there now!

[Amrita]

Thanks Pattye! Yeah do visit the Facebook page which I have just set up for Harmony Pearls - we do need some "likes"! :-) Thanks!

[Caitlin]

Hey! Me too! I can't remember if we friended before. If not, let's do it!

That goes for any of you on FB I have not friended. Friend me!

[Amrita]

Hey! Me too! I can't remember if we friended before. If not, let's do it!

That goes for any of you on FB I have not friended. Friend me!

What name do you go by on FB, Caitlin? I can't seem to find you..