Structural, mineralogical, and biochemical diversity in the lower part of the pearl layer of cultivated seawater pearls from polynesia |
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Authors: | Jean-Pierre Cuif Alexander D Ball Yannicke Dauphin Bastien Farre Julius Nouet Alberto Perez-Huerta Murielle Salomé C Terry Williams |
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Institution: | University Paris-Sud, Faculty of Sciences, UMR 8148 IDES, Bat 504 Geology, 91405 Orsay, France. |
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Abstract: | A series of Polynesian pearls has been investigated with particular attention to the structural and compositional patterns of the early developmental stages of the pearl layer. These initial steps in pearl formation bear witness of the metabolic changes that have occurred during the pearl-sac formation. The resulting structurally and biochemically complex structures have been investigated using a variety of techniques that provide us with information concerning both mineral phases and the organic components. Results are discussed with respect to our understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms, as well as for the grafting process. |
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