Gemstone profile and identification guide
Tahitian Pearl
Tahitian pearl is a premium dark saltwater cultured pearl category.
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Overview
Tahitian pearl is a premium dark saltwater cultured pearl category.
Did you know? Tahitian pearls are cultured pearls and naturally occur in many dark overtone combinations.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Tahitian Pearl
Scientific classification: Organic Gem Material (Saltwater Cultured Pearl)
Hardness: 3 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: pearly
Crystal system: Biogenic aragonite/calcite aggregate
Primary colour: Black
Secondary colour: Peacock
Colour family: Blacks
Type and treatment disclosure are essential in pearl grading.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: soft
Hardness value: 3 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium carbonate with conchiolin
Crystal system: Biogenic aragonite/calcite aggregate
Common locations: French Polynesia and related South Pacific farming regions
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Dark saltwater cultured pearls with grey, green, and peacock overtones.
Optical effects: Orient
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Cultured pearl material
Mineral group: Organic gem materials
Chemical formula: Calcium carbonate with conchiolin
Mohs hardness: 3
Crystal system: Biogenic aragonite/calcite aggregate
Lustre: pearly
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: Not applicable
Fracture: Uneven
Specific gravity: 2.60-2.85
Refractive index: Spot values near 1.53
Optical phenomena: Orient
Colour range: Grey-black with green, blue, aubergine, and peacock overtones
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: French Polynesia and related South Pacific farming regions
Important commercial sources: Tahitian pearls are cultured in Pinctada margaritifera oysters
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Bleaching and luster enhancement may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in luxury strands, pendants, and earrings.
Care recommendations: Soft and chemically sensitive; avoid perfume, acids, and dry heat.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Tahitian Pearl.
Formation
Marine culturing with nucleation and nacre deposition in black-lipped oysters.
Origin
Tahitian pearls are cultured in Pinctada margaritifera oysters
Uses
Best for: Used in luxury strands, pendants, and earrings.
Ideal uses: High-end pearl jewelry with careful care routines.
Care
Soft and chemically sensitive; avoid perfume, acids, and dry heat.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
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Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Tahitian Pearl FAQ
How can I identify Tahitian Pearl?
Compare hardness (3 Mohs), crystal system (Biogenic aragonite/calcite aggregate), colour profile, and lustre (pearly) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Tahitian Pearl appear in?
Dark saltwater cultured pearls with grey, green, and peacock overtones.
Where is Tahitian Pearl commonly used?
High-end pearl jewelry with careful care routines.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.