Pink Mussel Shell

This beautiful pink shell, whose scientific name is Potamilus (proptera) Purpuratus, is gathered from the upper reaches of the Mississippi river. Only a small percentage, around 20% have the radiant pink colour and so are sought after for their beauty by the jewellery industry. The shell-fish inside is not edible but the iridescence of the shell makes the dredging of the shellfish worthwhile.

The final brilliance of the natural shell is enhanced by traditional rock hound tumbling processes or is cut and polished to make a cabochon that gleams in its’ setting.