While the shiny material of pearls and abalone shells has long been prized for its iridescence and aesthetic value in jewelry and decorations, scientists admire mother-of-pearl for other physical ...

Jewelers may prize abalone shells for their mother-of-pearl, but scientists have long been equally enchanted by the shell’s strength. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have used a ...

Mother-of-pearl looks dainty hanging from a necklace, but this iridescent innard of abalone shells is so tough it can withstand the weight of a truck. Also called nacre, the material has long puzzled ...

An MIT materials scientist's research on sea snails has helped transform battery technology and may end the era when cell phones die if they're dropped and PDAs must be replaced if they get dunked in ...

DESCRIPTION: Pinto abalones are members of the gastropod family, and like most snails have a large muscular foot and an ear-shaped shell. The pinto abalone's shell is mottled red and green, with a ...