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Is a pearl a mineral? Explain your answer thoroughly. Read the description in the reference image to help you determine the answer.

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User Kameny
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1 Answer

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6 votes

Answer:

A pearl is not a mineral

Step-by-step explanation:

Even though a pearl is made up of a few little overlapping platelets of certain minerals such as aragonite, which is the stable form of calcium carbonate which is a necessary component for sealife. Why is a pearl not a mineral though? Yes a pearl is made up of mineral compounds, but its organic origins take away its ability to be included as a mineral. Pearls do not have distinctive crystal structures and are formed by living organisms.

User Mads Skjern
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