Pearls Exhibition
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract:
This Web site, created to complement an American Museum of Natural History exhibition, takes an in-depth look at pearls. It includes the following sections .What Are Pearls? covers how pearls are formed naturally; what causes differences in surface, size, shape, color, overtone, luster, and iridescence; and how imitation pearls are created. Obtaining Pearls looks at the different ways pearls and mother-of-pearl have been gathered throughout history. Freshwater Pearls describes the pearl-forming mollusks that live in lakes, rivers, and streams, and the gems they create. Marine Pearls looks at marine mollusks, the best-known sources of pearls, and how each species has a unique form, ecology, and history. Pearls in Human History examines how pearls became important symbols of wealth, status, and religious beliefs, as well as how mother-of-pearl shells had an even higher value for some cultures. Gallery includes a multimedia presentation on the evolution of mollusks and annotated photographs of everything from a giant clam shell to Marilyn Monroe's necklace.
- Subject:
- Science and Technology
- Grade Level:
- Primary, Secondary
- SubTopics:
- Animals and Insects
- Collection:
- American Museum of Natural History