If the Tahitian pearl is black, this is due to the fact that the Pinctada margaritifera, the black-lip pearl oyster, has black mother-of-pearl. The black body of the pearl may be suffused with overtones, such as green, peacock, or aubergine. These are caused by mineral salts dissolved in the seawater of French Polynesia lagoons encircled by the remains of ancient volcanoes.