Mollusk shells are known for their excellent mechanical properties from the complex hierarchical microstructures consisting of calcium carbonate and a small quantity of organic matrix. To investigate the influence of the adhesive organic matrix on the microscopic indentation properties of crossed-lamellar structure in the Cymbiola nobilis (C. nobilis) shell, Vicker`s indentation tests were performed on the specimens with different states (wet, fresh, and calcined at 180°C and 300°C). It is found that the hardness of specimens decreases in this order, which is mainly attributed to the decreased interface bonding strength induced by the loss of moisture and the melting of organic matrix with increasing heat-treatment temperature. Additionally, the indentations of WET, RT and 180°C specimens show a partial recovery with extending time of repose, reflecting a characteristic of viscoelasticity. There is no recovery in 300°C specimen since the molten organic matrix loses its elasticity. The effects of organic matrix on the hardness and indentation recovery behavior of different specimens come from the changes in its elasticity and the interface bonding strength.