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Natural organic and biogenic materials · Organic or biogenic material · Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Saltwater Natural Pearl

Also known asArabian Gulf pearls (annotation only, never as the product name) · Bahraini pearl (annotation only, never as the product name) · Basra pearl (annotation only, never as the product name) · Black natural pearl (conditional name) · Bombay pearls (annotation only, never as the product name) · Gulf pearl (annotation only, never as the product name) · New World natural pearl (conditional name) · Oriental pearl (conditional name) · Saltwater pearl (conditional name) · Tahitian natural pearl (annotation only, never as the product name) · Venezuelan pearl (annotation only, never as the product name)

A natural pearl formed in a saltwater mollusc without human intervention; both its natural status and saltwater origin need laboratory evidence. Also known as Oriental pearl, New World natural pearl. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.

Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.

Edited by JuneReviewed by RalphLast updated 2026-10-12Who maintains this page

Care and wear

What this page can answer

This page covers

What we cannot conclude

  • Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
  • Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
  • Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.

Material research: formation, causes and history

What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.

How it forms

A natural saltwater pearl forms without any human intervention inside a marine mollusc, typically around a microscopic irritant in the body or mantle tissue. Epithelial cells of the mantle envelop the irritant, a pearl sac forms, and the sac continuously secretes nacre—aragonite (a calcium carbonate polymorph) together with an organic matrix—which builds up in layers to create the pearl. Unlike cultured pearls, the irritant, the pearl sac and the nacre deposition are all produced by the mollusc itself, with no implanted bead or grafted tissue.

Scope: Applies to explaining the genesis and structure of natural pearls produced by marine molluscs and formed without human intervention; does not apply to cultured pearls or imitation pearls.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021 +2

Where it forms

In the body or mantle tissue of marine molluscs; pearl oysters of the genus Pinctada are typical hosts.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

Natural saltwater pearls form in the open marine environment, in contrast to culture farms or freshwater rivers and lakes.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

How it forms, step by step

  1. A microscopic irritant (e.g., a parasite, sand grain, or tissue fragment) lodges in the mollusc's body or mantle tissue.

    Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

  2. Epithelial cells of the mantle proliferate and envelop the irritant, forming a natural pearl sac.

    Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

  3. The pearl sac epithelium continuously secretes nacre (aragonite plus organic matrix), deposited in layers within the sac.

    Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

  4. Layer upon layer of nacre builds up, and the natural saltwater pearl takes shape.

    Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

Link to appearance

Stacked nacre layers interfere with and reflect light, producing the characteristic luster and orient of a pearl; their arrangement and thickness govern luster quality.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021 +2

Timescale

The available authoritative sources give no growth duration or absolute age for natural saltwater pearls; they only describe formation mechanism and structure.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition) · G&G Fall 2021

Related base materials

  • Natural pearl: subtype-by-environment | A subtype of natural pearl classified by growth environment; the host mollusc is marine (saltwater)

Supporting findings

Within certain mollusks, natural pearls develop either in the body or in the mantle tissue. As a rule a microscopic irritant is the point around which they grow, and no human intervention whatever is involved.

Evidence grade A

Scope: General definition of natural pearls, covering marine and freshwater; excludes cultured pearls.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition)

In saltwater pearls the pearl sac forms from mantle epithelium, which continuously deposits nacre through biomineralization.

Evidence grade A

Scope: The sac mechanism is drawn from anatomical study of Pinctada pearls; it applies to natural pearl sacs as well.

Sources G&G Fall 2021

Recorded localities

This is an organic material; its localities are the harvest or culture areas (waters or species ranges) recorded by authoritative sources.

Locality sketch mapLand outlines only; the map does not depict any national or regional boundary. Dots mark approximate positions. Base map: Natural Earth (public domain).

Asia

  • IndiaHistorical sourceCIBJO: historically extensive
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • BangladeshOrganic harvest or culture area
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • MalaysiaHistorical source · from 1900CIBJO: early 1900s
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • PhilippinesOrganic harvest or culture areaMelo
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • MyanmarOrganic harvest or culture areaprinted as Burma; Melo
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • ThailandOrganic harvest or culture areaMelo
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • VietnamOrganic harvest or culture areaMelo
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)

North America

  • Pacific coast from Southern California to MexicoOrganic harvest or culture areaabalone (Haliotis)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Southeastern United StatesOrganic harvest or culture area
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Western Central AmericaOrganic harvest or culture arealion's paw scallop
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • HondurasHistorical sourceCIBJO: pre-Columbian
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • PanamaHistorical sourceCIBJO: 1600s
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • MexicoHistorical source · until 1900CIBJO: prior to 1900
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)

South America

  • ChileOrganic harvest or culture areascallop
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Galápagos Islands, EcuadorOrganic harvest or culture areascallop
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • BrazilOrganic harvest or culture arealion's paw scallop
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • VenezuelaHistorical sourcehistorical (CIBJO: Historic/Historical)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • PeruOrganic harvest or culture area
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)

Oceania

  • French PolynesiaOrganic harvest or culture area
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Cook IslandsOrganic harvest or culture areaCIBJO: limited harvest (pipi); black-lip mainly before the 1970s
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Hawaii, United StatesHistorical sourcehistorical (CIBJO: Historic/Historical)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • AustraliaOrganic harvest or culture area
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Papua New GuineaOrganic harvest or culture areaMelo (non-nacreous)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • New ZealandOrganic harvest or culture areaabalone (Haliotis)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)

Seas and coasts

  • Bahrain waters, Persian GulfOrganic harvest or culture area · not on the mapCIBJO writes Arabian gulf
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 · Gems & Gemology Summer 2025
  • Persian GulfOrganic harvest or culture area · not on the map
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Kuwait waters, Persian GulfOrganic harvest or culture areaCIBJO: commercial pearls larger than 3 mm
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Red SeaHistorical source · not on the maphistorical (CIBJO: Historic/Historical)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Gulf of Mannar, Sri LankaHistorical source · not on the mapprinted as Ceylon; historical (CIBJO: Historic/Historical)
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Caribbean SeaOrganic harvest or culture area · not on the mapqueen conch
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)
  • Pacific OceanOrganic harvest or culture area · not on the mapgiant clam
    Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
    • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1)

These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.

Human use and museum objects

Natural saltwater pearl is a subtype of natural pearl by growth environment; the catalogue ornaments here (Cleveland 1928.234, 2001.156; The Met 2003.350.2) are recorded only as containing pearls, without the host mollusc's water environment, so they attest to the parent material natural pearl and its ornamental use and cannot distinguish marine from freshwater origin.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Catalogue objects attest only to the existence and dating of those individual pieces; they are not evidence that the material was in common use in antiquity, nor do they attest to the origin, naturalness or treatment of any modern sample. Cultural attributions follow the museum's records and are not extended.

Sources Cleveland Museum of Art 1928.234 · Cleveland Museum of Art 1947.507 · Cleveland Museum of Art 2001.156 +1

Ornaments such as Cleveland 1947.507 (c. 1400, Paris) contain pearls, but the accession record does not state the host mollusc's water environment; at catalogue level natural saltwater and natural freshwater pearls are often hard to separate, and discrimination relies on specimen provenance and internal-structure testing.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Catalogue objects attest only to the existence and dating of those individual pieces; they are not evidence that the material was in common use in antiquity, nor do they attest to the origin, naturalness or treatment of any modern sample. Cultural attributions follow the museum's records and are not extended.

Sources Cleveland Museum of Art 1928.234 · Cleveland Museum of Art 1947.507 · Cleveland Museum of Art 2001.156 +1

Natural saltwater pearl is a subtype of natural pearl by growth environment, and the evidence below belongs to the parent material natural pearl. The catalogue pearl ornaments (Cleveland 1928.234, 100s BCE, Greece; 1947.507, c. 1400, Paris; 2001.156, c. 1850, England; The Met 2003.350.2, 1845–50) are recorded only as containing pearls, with no note of the host mollusc's water environment or natural/cultured status. They therefore attest to the existence and dating of natural pearl (and its ornamental use) but cannot distinguish marine from freshwater origin.

Sources Cleveland Museum of Art 1928.234 · Cleveland Museum of Art 1947.507 · Cleveland Museum of Art 2001.156 +1

Scope: Catalogue objects attest only to the existence and dating of those individual pieces; they are not evidence that the material was in common use in antiquity, nor do they attest to the origin, naturalness or treatment of any modern sample. Cultural attributions follow the museum's records and are not extended.

Objects cited

500 BCE0500100015002000CMA 1928.234100s BCECMA 1947.507c. 1400Met 2003.350.21845–50CMA 2001.156c. 1850
Dates of museum objectsDates from the museums' open-access records (CC0); each bar spans the whole period named in the record, with qualifiers such as “early” or “possibly” kept in the label rather than turned into a narrower range; an arrow marks a record that reads “before” or “after” a yearSource: The Met / Cleveland Museum of Art open-access records

How it is identified

A natural saltwater pearl can be hard to tell from a cultured or imitation one on appearance. Identification is a laboratory exercise: routine gemological testing together with real-time X-radiography, X-ray fluorescence and UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy, with nacre-thickness measurement where needed, is used to assess natural saltwater origin; the finding should be issued by an accredited laboratory.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Determining natural saltwater origin needs professional laboratory testing, with the conclusion issued by an accredited body.

Sources GIA: How GIA Identifies Pearls

Other research findings

Nacre (mother-of-pearl) consists of the calcium carbonate polymorph aragonite together with an organic matrix of proteins and polysaccharides.

Evidence grade A

Scope: General nacre composition; does not address trace elements or pigments.

Sources G&G Fall 2021

Distinguishing natural from non-bead cultured pearls relies on internal-structure analysis (real-time microradiography RTX / μ-CT) and is not always conclusive.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Method from GIA laboratory research; outcomes vary with sample and operator experience.

Sources G&G Fall 2021 · GIA: How GIA Identifies Pearls

A natural saltwater pearl is initiated and completed by the mollusc itself, unlike cultured pearls that require human implantation of tissue or a bead.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Conceptual natural-vs-cultured boundary; not a per-sample identification finding.

Sources GIA Pearl Description · GIA Pearl Description (Chinese edition)

CIBJO's definition holds that a saltwater natural pearl is one whose origin is a saltwater mollusc.

Evidence grade A

Scope: The naming definition (clause 5.174); defines the saltwater category of natural pearls by its marine host.

Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024

Natural saltwater pearls are described by lustre, surface, shape, colour and matching. A natural pearl has no bead and is nacre throughout, so the 'nacre thickness' measure does not apply; assessment emphasises lustre, surface, shape and consistency of matching, as well as size and rarity. The emphasis differs from that for cultured pearls, and because they resemble saltwater cultured pearls, telling them apart requires laboratory testing. Imitation pearls are not subject to pearl quality assessment.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Quality factors describe which characteristics the market generally prizes; they are not a grade for any specific specimen and are neither price nor investment advice. Pearl quality assessment must be issued by an accredited laboratory for a specific specimen.

Sources CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 · GIA: How GIA Identifies Pearls

Limits of this research

  • Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
  • No growth duration or age is given for natural saltwater pearls.
  • The sources discuss natural saltwater pearls mainly in general contrast to cultured pearls, without a case study of a specific natural saltwater pearl.

Methodology

Evidence grades

A
Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
B
Institutional educational material
C
Specialist databases or cautious readings

A statement is never graded above its strongest source.

This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.

DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments

Suggested listing name
Saltwater Natural Pearl (confirmed by report)

GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.3 “Saltwater Natural Pearl” · CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.174

Construction or treatment status

Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Treatments recorded for this material: Bleached (via parent material), Dyed (via parent material)

Related:Disclosure and cautions

This page cannot answer

Natural? · Origin · Price

A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.

Related:What this page can answer

Answer at a glance

"Saltwater Natural Pearl" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Laboratory identification required before the name is used.

Evidence

  • GB/T · Table A.3, row 天然海水珍珠 (Saltwater Natural Pearl)

What this means for you

Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Saltwater Natural Pearl (confirmed by report)" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.

Known uncertainty

Last reviewed
2026-09-01

Trade-name ruling

  • Laboratory identification required before the name is used.
Suggested listing name
Saltwater Natural Pearl (confirmed by report)

Care and wear

The normal and special care that applies to all natural and cultured pearls, and so to Saltwater Natural Pearl (CIBJO Pearl Book §7.1, §7.2; the source says this advice counts as normal across the whole range and should be passed on to the buyer), is set out in full under care on the Pearl entry.

Care

Saltwater Natural Pearl — care (light): may fade or revert to its original colour, so it should not be left for long periods in strong natural or artificial light or under strong display lighting.

CIBJO Pearl Book 2024

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) (CIBJO): §8.1 Annex C, Saltwater Pearl, p.51; §7.2, §7.2.2 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — care (wear): breaks easily, so it is not meant for everyday wear and should not be worn during heavy work.

CIBJO Pearl Book 2024

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
filling
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) (CIBJO): §8.1 Annex C, Saltwater Pearl, p.51; §7.2, §7.2.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

Common care questions and matching entries

WearCare and wear of Saltwater Natural Pearl: the general and special care in the CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) applies to all natural and cultured pearls, and therefore also to Saltwater Natural Pearl; the care advice should be treated as routine for all pearls and should be passed on to buyers, and the full content is listed in the care section of the Pearl entry. CIBJOThe CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) states that dyed Saltwater Natural Pearl may fade or revert to its original colour and should not be exposed for long periods to strong natural light, strong artificial light or strong display lighting; filled Saltwater Natural Pearl is prone to breaking, is not suited to everyday wear, and should not be worn during heavy physical work.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

QuestionMatching entries
Light and displaymay fade or revert to its original colour, so it should not be left for long periods in strong natural or artificial light or under strong display lighting
Wearing limits (knocks, settings)breaks easily, so it is not meant for everyday wear and should not be worn during heavy work

Care entries by treatment state

The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.

treated (Only after these treatments: dyeing)

treated (Only after these treatments: filling)

Treatments and identification leads

One row per treatment, with three standards side by side: how often it occurs and how stable it is (CIBJO), its category in GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1 (this site's paraphrase) and how the JJA/AGL 2025 table lists it. Each CIBJO value links to its entry under “Testing and market”, where the wording and source are given in full.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

TreatmentMarket frequency (CIBJO)Stability (CIBJO)GB/T 16552 categoryJJA/AGL listingIdentification leads
Bleaching——Optimization——
Dyeing——Treatment——

“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1 (row for Natural Pearl)

Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):

  • GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
  • CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15

How lab reports word it

Report wording for Saltwater Natural Pearl is set out under report wording on the Pearl entry.

VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources

Names

For Saltwater Natural Pearl, "Black natural pearl", "New World natural pearl", "Oriental pearl" and "Saltwater pearl" are recorded with no restriction on use as a name, while "Arabian Gulf pearls", "Bahraini pearl", "Basra pearl", "Bombay pearls", "Gulf pearl", "Tahitian natural pearl" and "Venezuelan pearl" may appear only as an annotation, never as the product name (CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.10 “Arabian Gulf pearls”; GB/T 16552—2017 §5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 §5.1.1 c); CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.15 “Bahraini pearl”; CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.17 “Basra pearl”; CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.28 “Bombay pearls”; CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.89 “Gulf pearl”; CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.197 “Tahitian natural pearl”; CIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.206 “Venezuelan pearl”).

Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name for Saltwater Natural Pearl is natural saltwater pearl (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.3), and the suggested listing name is Saltwater Natural Pearl (confirmed by certificate). Names in four languagesThe Simplified and Traditional Chinese names are written the same way; the English name is Saltwater Natural Pearl, and the Japanese name is the entry's own Japanese name, which has not yet been verified by this site against GSJ (Japan) usage. Institution usageCIBJO's wording is on record as Saltwater Natural Pearl (CIBJO Pearl Book 2024); FTC has been checked and its text has no wording for Saltwater Natural Pearl; GIA and Gem-A are unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the English name, which does not represent their position. Trade and mineralogical namesSaltwater pearl is a trade name and is matched only once the conditions are confirmed. Candidate search termsOlder English names serve only as candidate search terms; of these, Arabian Gulf pearls, Bahraini pearl, Basra pearl, Bombay pearls, Gulf pearl, Tahitian natural pearl and Venezuelan pearl may appear only as a note and must not be used as the main product name; Black natural pearl is a narrower name and serves only as a candidate search term.

Name register

Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

NameTypeMatchingUse as a nameBasis
no restriction recorded (4)
Black natural pearlEnglishnarrower name (variety or subtype)search candidate onlyno restriction recordedCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.24 “Black natural pearl”
New World natural pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyno restriction recordedCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.138 “New World natural pearl”
Oriental pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyno restriction recordedCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.152 “Oriental pearl”
Saltwater pearlEnglishmarket namematched only once the condition is confirmedno restriction recordedCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 Annex C §8.1 “Saltwater Pearl”; GB/T 16552 revision draft for comment (2023, not in force) Table A.3; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 b)
annotation only, never as the product name (7)
Arabian Gulf pearlsEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.10 “Arabian Gulf pearls”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)
Bahraini pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.15 “Bahraini pearl”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)
Basra pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.17 “Basra pearl”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)
Bombay pearlsEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.28 “Bombay pearls”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)
Gulf pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.89 “Gulf pearl”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)
Tahitian natural pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.197 “Tahitian natural pearl”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)
Venezuelan pearlEnglishhistorical namesearch candidate onlyannotation only, never as the product nameCIBJO Pearl Book 2024 §5.206 “Venezuelan pearl”; GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.2.3 c); GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c)

How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.

Authority wording

GIA, FTC, CIBJO, Gem-A
Saltwater Natural Pearl (on record for CIBJO (CIBJO Pearl Book 2024); no wording for this name in the FTC text on file; GIA, Gem-A unchecked — bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name)
GSJ (Japan) formal name
天然海水真珠 (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
Chinese formal name
天然海水珍珠 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.3)
Mineralogical name
Natural pearl formed in a marine mollusc
Trade names and synonyms
Arabian Gulf pearls (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Bahraini pearl (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Basra pearl (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Bombay pearls (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Gulf pearl (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Tahitian natural pearl (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Venezuelan pearl (historical name; annotation only, never as the product name) · Oriental pearl (historical name; conditional name) · Black natural pearl (narrower name (variety or subtype); conditional name) · New World natural pearl (historical name; conditional name) · Saltwater pearl (market name; conditional name)

Four-language names

简体中文
天然海水珍珠
繁體中文
天然海水珍珠
English
Saltwater Natural Pearl
日本語
天然海水真珠

See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index

Classification

Origin
Natural materials
Material domain
Natural organic and biogenic materials
Browsing family
Pearl and molluscan shell materials
Identity tier
Organic or biogenic material
Mineral chemical class
Not applicable
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Treatments listed by standards

For Saltwater Natural Pearl, this site applies the “Natural pearl” row of GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1: bleaching, classed as optimization; dyeing, classed as treatment. What Table B.1 notes and how the relevant grades are defined are explained on the Gem treatments page.

GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1

Under the “Natural Pearl” row of Table B.1: Bleaching Optimization; Dyeing Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Natural Pearl page.

What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.

What it is and how it's identified

The composition (chemical) of Saltwater Natural Pearl is relatively high in trace elements such as Sr, S, Na and Mg and relatively low in trace elements such as Mn; density is 2.61–2.85 g/cm³. Also written for natural pearl (the whole class), not measured for Saltwater Natural Pearl on its own: structurally, the inorganic part is an aggregate in radial arrangement, aragonite being orthorhombic and calcite trigonal, and the organic part amorphous; Mohs hardness 2.5–4.5; cleavage usually not seen on an aggregate; optic character aggregate; refractive index 1.53–1.68, which this site qualifies as a spot-method reading, a typical value rather than an absolute limit, with the clause having finer ranges and the overall value used; birefringence not measurable on an aggregate; lustre (as a quality factor) pearly when untreated. The Mohs hardness item on the pearl page of the GIA Gem Encyclopedia gives 2.5–3; this site notes that the cited clause covers the whole species, of which Saltwater Natural Pearl is only one variety.

Registered material facts

Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.

Luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for natural pearl (the whole class), so they are not repeated on the Saltwater Natural Pearl page; see the material facts on the Natural Pearl entry.

Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Saltwater Natural Pearl (how to read class-level values).

Definition

Saltwater Natural Pearl: a natural pearl produced by a saltwater mollusc (5.121).

CIBJO Pearl Book 2024

Qualification

CIBJO trade definition from an institutional manual, not a national standard.

Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
  • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) (CIBJO): §5.174, p.42 (locator checked 2026-09-25)
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Saltwater Natural Pearl — composition (chemistry): relatively rich in trace elements such as Sr, S, Na and Mg, and relatively poor in trace elements such as Mn.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 Chemical composition · Saltwater natural pearl (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Structure

Saltwater Natural Pearl — structure (overall): inorganic part: aragonite (orthorhombic) and calcite (trigonal) in radiating aggregates; organic part: amorphous.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Durability

Mohs hardness2 sources compared

12345678910GB/T 16553—20172.5–4.5GIA Gem Encyclopedia2.5–3References (diamond = value, bar = range; below)

Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))

Mohs hardnessSource: GB/T 16553—2017 · GIA Gem Encyclopedia

Saltwater Natural Pearl — Mohs hardness: 2.5–4.5

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — Mohs hardness: 2.5–3

GIA Gem Encyclopedia

Qualification

The clause we cite covers the whole species. This entry is only one variety of it.

Source & check 2026-09-20
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-20

Saltwater Natural Pearl — cleavage: generally not seen on an aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

stability2 sources compared

Saltwater Natural Pearl — stability: effervesces in acid; burns and turns brown if overheated.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — stability: In addition to normal care, natural and cultured pearls shall have special care requirements that include instructions that they should not be worn while carrying out heavy work, should be kept away from all solvents and acids and not be subjected to high temperatures as well as ultrasonic cleaning.

CIBJO Pearl Book 2024

Treatment state
untreated
Source & check 2026-09-21
Source
  • CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) (CIBJO): §7 Annex B, 7.2, p.49 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
Fact checked on
2026-09-21

Physical properties

Saltwater Natural Pearl — density: 2.61–2.85 g/cm³

GB/T 16553—2017

0.51.52.53.54.55.56.57.52.61–2.85
Specific gravitySource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 Density · Natural saltwater pearl (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — feel (texture): feels gritty when two surfaces are rubbed together

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Optical

Saltwater Natural Pearl — optic character: aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — refractive index: 1.53–1.68

GB/T 16553—2017

1.31.72.12.52.93.31.53–1.68
Refractive indexSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Qualification

The clause we cite gives this as a value read by the spot (distant-vision) method. It is a common value, not an absolute limit.

General note
the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — birefringence: not measurable on an aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Saltwater Natural Pearl — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Quality factors

Saltwater Natural Pearl — quality factor (lustre): pearly

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
natural pearl (the whole class)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.3.1 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

1.581.61.622.52.62.72.82.9Refractive indexSpecific gravity12345Saltwater Natural Pearl

This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.605 / 2.73; Closest values: 1Giant Clam Shell 1.605 / 2.79, 2Larimar 1.62 / 2.82, 3Natural Conch Pearl / Natural Melo Pearl 1.595 / 2.84, 4Aquamarine 1.58 / 2.79, 5Turquoise 1.63 / 2.65

Show the full chart (330 registered materials)1.41.51.61.71.81.922.12.22.32.41234567Refractive indexSpecific gravity12345Saltwater Natural Pearl

Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22

Refractive index × specific gravity (all registered materials)Each dot is one material's registered refractive index and specific gravity (range midpoints, not measurements); gold = this material, dark = the nearest few (picked on this site by distance in RI ÷ 0.02 and SG ÷ 0.1, leaving out near-identical varieties of the same species)Source: each material's registered refractive index and specific gravity facts (GB/T 16553 and others; sources on each entry)

Related CIBJO terms

Saltwater

a body of water that is saline, e.g., seas, oceans, lagoons.

CIBJO Blue Book — Pearl Book (Pearl Commission 2024-1) (CIBJO): §5.172, p.42

Definitions are quoted verbatim from the cited CIBJO Blue Book; […] marks an excerpt, and the full definition is at the cited clause.

Pearl-producing molluscs (CIBJO Annex D): §9.1 Abalone · §9.3 Akoya pearl oyster · §9.5 Aliger gigas · §9.7 Argopecten purpuratus · §9.8 Atlantic pearl oyster · §9.10 Australian south-sea pearl oyster · §9.11 Black-lipped pearl oyster · §9.12 Cassis madagascariensis · §9.13 Ceylon pearl oyster · §9.27 Gulf pearl oyster · §9.29 Hippopus spp. · §9.37 Lion’s Paw · §9.43 Melo aethiopica · §9.44 Melo amphora · §9.45 Melo broderipii · §9.46 Melo georginae · §9.47 Melo melo · §9.48 Mercenaria mercenaria · §9.49 Modiolus philippinarum · §9.50 Mytilus californianus · §9.55 Pinctada imbricata · §9.56 Pinctada maculata · §9.58 Pinctada margaritifera cumingii · §9.60 Pinctada maxima · §9.61 Pinctada mazatlanica · §9.62 Pinctada radiata · §9.63 Pinctada maculata · §9.69 Pteria sterna · §9.76 Rubitapes decussatus · §9.77 Scallop · §9.79 Spiny pearl · §9.80 Spondylus spp. · §9.82 Tridacna gigas · §9.83 Triplofusus giganteus

Clause-level definitions

The clause-level definition of Saltwater Natural Pearl is registered as follows: entry name Saltwater Natural Pearl, clause GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A, defined as a natural pearl produced by a saltwater mollusc. Cross-check result: listed directly in GB/T; not found under a standalone heading of the same name in CIBJO.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

TermClauseDefinitionCross-check
Saltwater Natural PearlGB/T 16552-2017 Annex ANatural pearl formed in a marine molluscListed directly by GB/T; CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name.

Evidence and sources

Authority basis and clause sources

GB/T 16552—2017
Listed Table A.3 “Saltwater Natural Pearl” · Source
CIBJO Pearl Book 2024
Listed §5.174 · Source

Sources

Further reading

Related pages

Treatments recorded for this material

Related entries and topic cluster

Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.

Related-entry tree for Pearl on this site: 17 entries listed by this site's parent-entry links; synthetic, treated and similar entries carry their recorded state after the name; this page (Saltwater Natural Pearl) is marked.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

PageContentStatus
Browsing familyPearl and molluscan shell materialsLive
Treatments recorded for this materialBleached (via parent material), Dyed (via parent material)Live
Related articlesTo be added (placeholder)Planned

Who maintains this page

The material facts in the Saltwater Natural Pearl entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.

Facts editor
June
Reviewer
Ralph
How facts are checked
Each fact is matched to the clause it cites; facts checked between 2026-09-20 and 2026-09-26
Last revised
2026-10-12
Purpose
Lets buyers and sellers check naming, disclosure and material facts clause by clause.

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