The soft-tissue lining of oysters and clams creates pearls. Is a pearl a mineral?

Yes, because it is beautiful and rare.
No, because it is created artificially.
Yes, because it forms naturally.
No, because it is an organic substance.

1 answer

No, because it is an organic substance.

Pearls are formed by living organisms (such as oysters and clams) and are composed mainly of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, which are organic compounds. Since minerals are generally defined as inorganic substances, pearls do not qualify as minerals.