The "Pearl of Allah"
The Pearl of Allah also known as the Pearl of Lao Tzu is the
largest pearl in the world. It was discovered in 1934 from the Island of
Palawan in the Philippines. It measures 9.45 inches in diameter and
weighs 6.4 kg. The pearl was produced by a giant clam, Tridacna gigas,
and it is a non-nacreous pearl meaning it doesn’t have the iridescence
of true gem pearls, like oyster pearls or mussel pearls. The interior of
the pearl does not contain a mother of pearl material, in fact it is
porcellaneous.
From Internet Stones, via The Jewelry Blog and Malformalady.
A pearl, really? Or is it actually a hand full of shaving cream.
ReplyDeleteLOL... you wouldn't want that thing hitting you on your head
Delete"It measures 9.45 inches in diameter and weighs 6.4 kg" Mixing measurement systems aah
ReplyDeleteMore on it:http://www.internetstones.com/pearl-of-allah-pearl-of-lao-tzu-pearl-of-lao-tse.html
ReplyDeleteThis brings to mind the use of mis-shapen pearls (known as Baroque pearls) as parts of incredibly intricate miniature sculptures and jewellery. Although this one wouldn't really be very miniature!
ReplyDeleteA so-so (because of the image size/quality, not the workmanship!) example:
http://eretzelana.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83454775669e2011571314b4b970b-500wi
A quick image search turns up all kinds of other fascinating examples of artistic resourcefulness.