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Ch. 8: Genesis of the Pearl

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GENESIS OF PEARLS
the shell at the centre only, results. Two pearls held against the shell and growing side by side are separately enveloped until they touch each other, after which they are included in single deposits of nacre and the depression between their domes becomes less distinct with each successive coating. Similarly, a cluster of small pearls lying together often forms the nucleus of a large rounded baroque or button pearl. Examination of such formations shows, that up to a certain period the pearls have a separate existence and growth. They then become joined in an irregular mass of twinned pearls, and finally, if allowed to remain in the oyster long enough, all individuality is lost in the tendency to round over. The same thing occurs when grains of sand or other intrusions become attached to a growing pearl. They are quite prominent when first included in the nacreous deposit and can be easily detached from the under pearl by breaking through the layer which binds them on; but they are soon obliterated by succeeding deposits. This filling-in process is sometimes accomplished by additional layers in the depression, sometimes by thicker layers.
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Ch. 8: Genesis of the Pearl Page of 358 Ch. 8: Genesis of the Pearl
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