Question

The soft-tissue lining of oysters and clams creates pearls. Is a pearl a mineral?

A : Yes, because it forms naturally.
B : Yes, because it is beautiful and rare.
C : No, because it is created artificially.
D : No, because it is an organic substance.

Answer 1

No. Pearl is an organic substance

Pearl is an organic gemstone. It is a reaction to an irritant within a living pearl-producing mollusk. Mollusks have a soft body often protected by a shell such as calm, mussel, and oyster. Pearls are actually formed when the mollusk produce thousands of nacre. Pearls are commonly used in the jewellery industry.

Answer 2

A pearl is not a mineral because it is created artificially. It is a gemstone, not a mineral because it is a composite of mineral Aragonite and a protein compound which is called conchiolin. Pearls are formed by organic and living organisms which is preserved to become a gemstone.