THE PEARL
Manilla.—(Includes
Batjan, Bima, Ceram, Salawatti, Sooloo, etc.) Pearls, good color and
orient. Shells, large, good, yellow edge nacre. Merguian Archipelago.—Pearls and shells similar to
the Manillas. Mexico and Panama.—Pearls fair; blacks, grays and fancy colors often fine. Shells, medium size: nacre has greenish edge. South Sea Islands.—Pearls usually fine.
Shells generally large, heavy and fine black edge m. of p. Venezuela.—Pearls, good luster and color—many fine baroques. Shells: small, beautifully iridescent, but valueless.
Pearls.
Hardness, 3.5—4 Sp. Gr., 1.59—1.62
Composition.
Carbonate of Lime............. 91-72
Organic matter................ 5.94
Water........................ 2.34
