Hardness: 3.00
Refractive Index: 1.53-1.68
Specific Gravity: 2.70
Birthstone: February, April, June, July, November
Astral Stone: Gemini, Cancer
Anniversary Stone: 3rd, 30th
Origination: Saltwater and freshwater bodies worldwide.
Care & Cleaning: Pearls are very delicate, so handle them with care. Apply makeup, hair spray and perfume before putting on your pearls. Store them in a separate area, away from other more durable stones and metals. Clean with soft polishing cloth or plain water mist. Do not soak. This applies to all varieties of pearls.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Astrologers consider the pearl to be a direct link to the moon.
The pearl is technically an organic matter, not a gemstone.
France, India and the Philippines list the pearl as their international gemstone.
The pearl is one of just a few gems that is found in its finished state.
Natural pearls of good size and luster can command tens of thousands of dollars.
About 80% of the world�s cultured pearls come from the akoya oyster.
Natural black pearls from the South Pacific often sell for $100,000 per strand.
The pearl is considered one of the oldest gems on earth.
Roman women of prominence wore pearls to bed, so they could be reminded of their wealth upon awakening.
Pearls are said to represent modesty, purity, chastity and love.
Dreaming of pearls signified the arrival of long lost friends.
Certain cultures considered pearls to be drops of tears from the heavens.