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