---
title: "Pearl: meaning in gemology"
description: "A pearl is a gem that grows inside certain mollusks from layers of nacre. Natural pearls form with no human help; cultured pearls need human care."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/pearl
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Colored gemstones

# Pearl

Also called cultured pearl, natural pearl, Akoya pearl, South Sea pearl, Tahitian pearl, freshwater pearl

A pearl is a gem that grows inside certain mollusks from layers of nacre. Natural pearls form with no human help; cultured pearls need human care.

## In more detail

To culture a pearl, a technician inserts mantle tissue, often with a shell bead, into a host mollusk. Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian cultured pearls are saltwater; freshwater cultured pearls are the most produced. Labs traditionally separate natural from cultured pearls with X-radiography. Pearl is very soft, and acids, cosmetics and perfume can damage it; never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

## Related terms

- [Dyeing](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/dyeing): Dyeing is adding a colored substance to a gem's fractures or pores to change its color.
- [Coating](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/coating): Coating is a thin film, paint or ink on the surface of a gem that changes its color or look.
- [Hardness (Mohs)](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/hardness): Hardness is a gem's resistance to scratching. Gemologists rank it on the Mohs scale, on which diamond is 10.
- [Treatment](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/treatment): A treatment is any process, other than cutting and polishing, that changes a gem's color or apparent clarity. Anyone who sells a treated gem must disclose the treatment.

[All 369 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)