IDENTITY CARD

GREY NACRE

Less well known than its white cousin, Nacre Grise nevertheless possesses a unique aura, somewhere between mystery and elegance. Derived mainly from the insides of certain black pearl oysters, it has a silvery, anthracite sheen, sometimes tinged with blue, green or pink. Used for centuries on Pacific islands and in fine jewelry, it symbolizes emotional depth, gentle introspection and quiet strength. Grey Mother-of-Pearl evokes the depths of the sea, where silence becomes light.

GEM TYPE
BIOMINERAL
FAMILY
ORGANIC
COLOR(S)
LIGHT TO DARK GREY
MOHS SCALE
3 - 4

GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN

French Polynesia

Oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Philippines
Tahiti
New Caledonia
Zambia
The gray color of mother-of-pearl is due to the microscopic layered structure of aragonite crystals, combined with natural pigments found in certain species of pearl mollusks.

A little history

In Polynesian cultures, the gray nacre of black oysters is a symbol of prestige and protection. Used for centuries to make jewelry, ceremonial weapons and prestige objects, it often accompanied chiefs or navigators on their ritual journeys. In European marquetry workshops of the XIXᵉ century, it was also highly prized for decorating knife handles, cufflinks or musical instruments, adding a discreet touch of nobility.

LITHOTHERAPY

In serious lithotherapy, Gray Mother-of-Pearl is valued for its gentle protective qualities, introspection and refocusing:

Emotional protection
It acts as a filter, helping to maintain a healthy distance from intense external emotions.
Gentle anchoring
It supports the return to oneself without rigidity, helping to better feel one's deepest needs.
Intuition and inner listening
It promotes a finer perception of oneself and the world, with calm and clarity.
Subtle harmonization
Useful in cases of relational tension or mental overload, it encourages moderation and balance.
Associated astrological signs
Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio.
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