Fluorescence from Pearls to Distinguish Mother Oysters Used in Pearl Culture

Abstract

The fluorescence spectra of pearls and shells of Pteria penguin (mabe), Pinctada fucata (Japan's Akoya oyster) and Pinctada maxima (yellow lip oyster) have been measured in order to distinguish species of the mother oyster which produce that pearl. A distinction is possible for these pearls using differences in the fluorescence spectra. The spectral difference has been attributable to colouring matter or screloprotain in pearls and shells.