Abstract
DECALCIFICATION of mother-of-pearl from recent molluscs leaves soft, stratified membranes of concholin. These membranes, cleaved and broken by ultrasonic vibrations, appear in the electron microscope as fragments of lace-like reticulated sheets or perforated leaflets1. The pattern of these structures differs with the groups and species of molluscs. Three main patterns (nautiloid, gastropod and pelecypod) have been provisionally recognized1. Replicas of surfaces of mother-of-pearl, prepared before and after corrosion by decalcifiers, have shown that the reticulated sheets correspond to the conchiolin membranes which alternate with the mineral lamellae in the stratified nacreous configuration, and which separate the individual crystals of aragonite disposed side by side in each lamella2.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
