Melo Melo Pearl
Pearl
Published: June 2014
Modified: September 2023
The Melo Melo pearl comes from the Melo Melo sea snail, a group of sea snails with scroll-like volute shells found in the South China Sea. The melo pearl is a non-nacreous pearl with colors ranging from light tan to brown, but orange is the most sought-after color. Melo Melo pearls are extremely rare, as no harvesting techniques exist.
General Information
Common Name
Melo Melo Pearl
Species
Pearl
Transparency
Translucent - Opaque
Refractive Index
1.530-1.685
Birefringence
0.155
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Variable
LWUV: Variable chalky blue or orange
LWUV: Variable chalky blue or orange
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
5
Specific Gravity
2.830-2.870 Typical: 2.850
Toughness
Fair
Inclusions
Melo pearls have a flame-like structure. They do not have nacre but do have a porcelain-like finish.
Luster
Dull, Vitreous
Stability
Poor
Fracture
Uneven
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
Calcite and aragonite
Chemical Formula
CaCO3 with H2O and other organic materials
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Organic
Melo Melo Pearl Colors
-
Brown -
Orange -
Yellow
Alternate Names
Melo Melo Pearl
Countries of Origin
Myanmar; Viet Nam; Cambodia; Unknown; China; Philippines; Malaysia; Thailand; Indonesia
Care
Color will fade with long exposure to sunlight or UV light.