Abalone Shell 5-10 Chip Bead - 15-16 Inch

Abalone Shell is strong and is made of stacked calcium carbonate tiles. When the abalone shell is struck, the tiles slide instead of shattering absorbing the energy of the blow. The inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre (mother-of-pearl), which in many species is highly iridescent, which make the shells attractive as decorative objects, jewelry, and as a source of colorful mother-of-pearl.