Comparison of the surface imbricate structure of seawater pearls and freshwater pearls
The imbricate structure is a unique texture on the surface of pearls. This surface feature can be used to distinguish pearls from imitation pearls, and can also help distinguish seawater pearls from freshwater pearls. The structure of the pearl surface can be observed using a gem microscope.
The texture of seawater pearls is relatively tight and neat, with soft lines.
Figure 1 Australian South Sea pearl
Figure 2 Australian South Sea pearl
Figure 3 Australian South Sea pearl,Spiral Texture
Figure 4 White Akoya Pearl,the texture is fine and neat
Figure 5 Golden Pearl
Figure 6 Silver Grey Akoya Pearl
Figure 7 Tahitian black pearl
Figure 8 Golden Pearl
Figure 9 Golden Pearl
Freshwater pearls have sparse, chaotic, and tortuous textures. The following are freshwater pearls.
Figure 10 White freshwater pearl
Figure 11 White freshwater pearl
Figure 12 White freshwater pearl
Figure 13 White freshwater pearl
Figure 14
Figure 15 Purple Edison Pearls
The following are imitation pearls, without the imbricate structure on the surface.
Figure 16 imitation pearl
Figure 17 imitation pearl